Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirant in Oyo State, has asserted that the outcome of Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election will be shaped by the electorate’s choice, dismissing any notion that incumbency alone can secure victory.
Ajadi’s remarks come in response to reports attributing statements to supporters of President Bola Tinubu suggesting that no opposition could unseat the incumbent in 2027. The PDP chieftain warned that implications of predetermined results could erode faith in the democratic system, emphasising the constitutional power of citizens to determine their leaders through free and fair polls.
“Nigeria’s democracy is founded on the constitutional right of citizens to choose their leaders through the ballot, regardless of who currently holds office,” Ajadi stated. “The strength of our democracy lies in the power of the electorate. Elections provide citizens with a peaceful and legitimate means of expressing their collective will.”
The comments highlight growing tensions as political alignments intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections. Recent declarations from APC figures, including an Ondo State lawmaker who described Tinubu’s re-election as a foregone conclusion due to a perceived lack of viable opposition, have fuelled debates about incumbency advantages. Similar sentiments from political groups have reinforced narratives of APC dominance, though no direct public statement from President Tinubu himself has been widely verified claiming invincibility.
Ajadi, a businessman and diplomat who has actively campaigned within PDP structures in Oyo State, drew on historical precedents to underscore the unpredictability of Nigerian politics. He pointed to past elections across Africa and Nigeria where incumbents faced defeat when voters mobilised effectively, urging greater civic participation to hold leaders accountable.
The aspirant particularly called on youths and first-time voters to register and engage actively. “Democracy thrives when citizens believe in and utilise the instruments provided by the constitution,” he said, adding that performance in office and public trust, rather than positional power, ultimately sway electoral outcomes.
This appeal resonates amid widespread concerns over economic hardships, insecurity, and rising living costs that dominated public discourse throughout 2025. Opposition voices have framed the period as one of significant challenges under the current administration, calling for change through the ballot in 2027.
Ajadi, who formally signalled his gubernatorial ambition in recent months by consulting local PDP chapters and unveiling policy visions such as “Omituntun 3.0,” positioned his statement within the PDP’s commitment to peaceful competition. As Oyo State prepares for its own off-cycle governorship race potentially aligning with national polls, his outreach to councillors and ward leaders reflects ongoing grassroots mobilisation efforts.
The broader political landscape for 2027 remains fluid. Recent defections and ongoing coalition talks among opposition elements signal attempts to consolidate against the ruling APC. Meanwhile, internal dynamics within the APC, including high-profile cross-party movements, have raised questions about party cohesion.
