A governorship aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, has said Nigeria’s leadership in the 2027 general elections will be determined by the will of the electorate, not by the advantage of incumbency.
Ajadi made the assertion while reacting to reports suggesting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu allegedly claimed that no opposition could defeat him in the 2027 presidential election.
He warned that suggestions of predetermined electoral outcomes could weaken public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic system, stressing that the constitution guarantees citizens the right to choose their leaders through the ballot.
According to him, the strength of democracy lies in the power of voters to peacefully and legitimately express their collective will, irrespective of who currently holds public office.
The PDP aspirant, who has declared his intention to contest the Oyo State governorship election, said political developments in Nigeria and across Africa have shown that leadership can change when citizens actively participate in the electoral process.
He urged Nigerians, particularly young people and first-time voters, to engage in civic responsibilities such as voter registration, peaceful mobilisation and active participation in elections.
Ajadi also noted that elections remain the appropriate platform for holding leaders accountable, especially in the face of economic pressures, security concerns and the rising cost of living. He added that occupying public office does not guarantee electoral victory, emphasising that performance and public trust are critical factors in democratic contests.
Reaffirming the PDP’s commitment to peaceful political competition, Ajadi called for sustained civic engagement and respect for democratic principles as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 elections.
He concluded that Nigeria’s future leadership would ultimately emerge through lawful, peaceful and participatory democratic processes.
