Tokunbo Pearse, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State, has dismissed rumors that the party might withdraw from the 2027 presidential race or collaborate with the All Progressives Congress (APC). In an interview with the Nigerian Tribune, Pearse, who is also the Convener of Reset Lagos PDP, labeled the claims as “propaganda” from President Bola Tinubu’s camp designed to weaken the opposition. Pearse outright rejected the notion of a presidential candidate stepping down for another from an opposing party. “Have you ever seen a situation where a presidential candidate steps down for another presidential candidate from another party, anywhere in the world, in any time of history?” he questioned. “I’m sorry to say, but that’s a stupid idea. It’s a senseless idea, it’s illogical, and it’s totally nonsensical. It doesn’t make sense, so forget about that.” He confirmed that despite the party’s recent decision to zone the presidential ticket to the South, the PDP would field a strong candidate for the 2027 election.
According to Pearse, the Tinubu camp is concerned about the possibility of a Yoruba candidate emerging from the PDP. He specifically mentioned Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, as a formidable challenger. “Makinde is a younger man, Makinde is ambitious, Makinde has done fantastic work in Oyo. What they are afraid of and Tinubu and co know, is that if a Yoruba man comes into this race against him, he is likely to defeat him,” Pearse argued. He further elaborated that a Yoruba challenger is the only one who could significantly erode Tinubu’s support base in the South-West. He noted that Tinubu secured 2.5 million votes from the region in 2023, and a split in those votes would be a major blow to his chances, especially as his support in the North is perceived to be dwindling. Pearse concluded by asserting that if Governor Makinde were to secure the PDP ticket, he would have the best chance of unseating the current president.
