A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr Adetokunbo Pearse, says the successful outcome of the party’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting is proof that the party remains strong and united ahead of the 2027 elections.
Speaking in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday, Pearse—who served on the Atiku Abubakar 2023 Presidential Campaign Committee and is Convener of the Reset Lagos PDP group—said the party’s recent decisions signaled a positive direction.
The PDP’s 101st NEC meeting, held in Abuja on Thursday, concluded with a resolution to hold its national elective convention on November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.
“Nothing is wrong with PDP. We are on a strong foundation,” Pearse said. “There can be internal disagreements like in every political organisation, but PDP remains a democratic party where leaders are elected, not appointed.”
He added that the party was “looking good” and described defectors as confused politicians who would eventually return.
Pearse also hailed the decision to zone the PDP’s 2027 presidential ticket to the South, calling it a strategic move to challenge President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
He criticised the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the newly adopted platform of some opposition leaders, dismissing it as politically weak and predicting a return of defectors to the PDP.
Commenting on Atiku Abubakar’s reported defection, Pearse said the former vice president was damaging his own political prospects.
“Atiku may win ADC’s presidential ticket, but not the election. His constant movement between parties weakens his credibility,” Pearse stated.
Pearse maintained that Atiku’s exit would not affect PDP’s structure or momentum heading into 2027.
The PDP NEC meeting focused on party reforms, leadership decisions, and strategic planning ahead of the next general election.
