PDP chieftain, Okai reveals only way to beat Tinubu in 2027

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and House of Representatives candidate of the party for Dekina/Bassa Federal Constituency in 2023, Austin Okai has declared that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu can only be unseated in the 2027 presidential election if all opposition parties form a united front and rally behind a single candidate.

Speaking in an interview over the weekend, the activist dismissed ongoing speculations about former President Goodluck Jonathan’s possible return, stressing that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in its current state, lacks the structure to deliver electoral victory in 2027.

He argued that internal divisions, infiltration by elements allegedly loyal to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), and anti-party activities have weakened the PDP beyond electoral readiness.

“Unless otherwise, the current PDP cannot win any election. Who are those that will do the job for Jonathan? The South-South has largely gone the way of APC. The North is unreliable during elections, and many PDP bigwigs are on APC’s payroll,” he stated.

According to him, Jonathan should maintain his integrity and stay away from the 2027 race, pointing out that the former president has been absent from key party meetings and no longer commands the political machinery needed to win.

The activist also challenged the notion that the “North decides” Nigeria’s president, describing the region as politically fragmented.

He noted that core Muslim northerners do not control voting patterns in states such as Bauchi, Taraba, Benue, Plateau, and Southern Kaduna, adding that the northern masses are increasingly alienated from their political elites.

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Addressing the chances of opposition candidates such as Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, Rotimi Amaechi, and Jonathan, the activist warned that separate candidacies would all but guarantee Tinubu’s re-election.

“If Atiku, Obi, Kwankwaso, Jonathan, and Amaechi all contest separately, it’s a waste of time. Tinubu can only be defeated if the opposition adopts APC’s 2014 strategy, where all major parties unite to oust the incumbent,” he said.

He also claimed that Peter Obi is currently without a strong political platform, alleging that the Labour Party may replace him with Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed.

The activist defended Atiku’s repeated presidential bids, likening him to former U.S. President Donald Trump, who persisted until he won. He argued that no one has the right to bar Atiku from contesting, as the decision should rest with voters.

While affirming his membership of the PDP, the activist distanced himself from any coalition arrangements, stating that only leaders like Governor Seyi Makinde are keeping the party afloat.

On the issue of journalists and activists facing arrests, he urged government agencies to respect the Freedom of Information Act, warning against the misuse of the Cybercrime Act to silence dissent.

“In a democracy, you can’t suppress opposition voices. The government must respect the law just as it expects citizens to obey it,” he concluded.