Tensions flared within the Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as leaders and stakeholders lamented the loss of the 2023 governorship election and shifted focus to unseating President Bola Tinubu in 2027.

At a heated stakeholders’ meeting in Benin City, chaired by Dr. Tony Aziegbemi of the party’s caretaker committee, accusations flew as he claimed the All Progressives Congress (APC) “stole” the people’s mandate given to PDP candidate Dr. Asue Ighodalo. He alleged that the presidency, security agencies, and judiciary collaborated to deny the party victory.

“We did everything legally possible,” Aziegbemi told members from across the state’s three senatorial districts. “Now, the question is how do we get Tinubu out in 2027?”

While he praised members for their resilience, the conversation quickly shifted to deep frustrations over the party’s internal divisions. Former Deputy Chief of Staff to Governor Obaseki, Jimoh Ijegbai, questioned the feasibility of challenging Tinubu with a divided PDP.

“If you say we should remove Tinubu, which vehicle will we use?” he asked. “We’re split into factions. Until we fix that, we’re only deceiving ourselves.”

Women’s representative Alberta Okonofua echoed similar concerns, urging the party to “put its house in order,” warning that ousting Tinubu would be impossible with PDP in disarray.

Hon. Matthew Iduoriyekemwen, who served as Director General of Ighodalo’s campaign, also expressed skepticism about winning future elections under current conditions. He argued that the party lacks the capacity to stand as a formidable opposition.

“If Asue’s votes didn’t count, no election will,” he said. “The PDP crisis must be solved at the national level.”

Speaking last, Dr. Ighodalo maintained confidence in the party’s grassroots strength, calling Edo a PDP state. He thanked members for their loyalty and resilience, insisting that if elections were held today, the PDP would win “at least 70 percent” of the vote.

“The people will decide the way forward,” he said, pledging ₦2 million to each of the party’s 18 local government chapters across the state.