The Ondo State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr Modupe Aisida, has asserted that the party’s electoral strength lies with ordinary voters rather than influential political heavyweights, dismissing concerns that recent defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) would weaken the opposition.
Speaking in Akure on Thursday, Aisida argued that the era of relying on strongmen to deliver elections is fading.
He cited the 2023 presidential election results where President Bola Tinubu lost in his home state of Lagos and in Osun State as evidence that the electorate has become more independent.
“Those results shocked many people. They showed clearly the power of the people. When citizens decide, no individual is bigger than their votes. We should stop building strongmen. Whether you are a governor or not, if institutions are strong, people will freely exercise their franchise,” Aisida said.
He noted that many politicians leaving the PDP were driven by personal gain rather than ideology, adding that the party remains unfazed.
Looking ahead to the 2027 presidency, Aisida confirmed that the PDP has zoned its ticket to the South to correct the perceived mistakes of the 2023 election cycle.
He added that the field remains open to all interested aspirants from the region, including former President Goodluck Jonathan, should he decide to run.
