A prominent figure in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, has issued a strong rebuttal to remarks reportedly made by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu concerning the 2027 presidential election. Ajadi firmly stated that the Nigerian people, not the power of incumbency, will determine the nation's leadership in 2027.
Democracy Rooted in People's Power, Not Incumbent Advantage
Ajadi was reacting to a report from an online television platform which claimed that President Tinubu boasted that no opposition could remove him from office. In his response, the PDP governorship aspirant cautioned that any narrative suggesting a pre-determined electoral outcome is dangerous for democracy. He emphasized that such talk risks eroding public trust in the entire democratic process.
According to Ajadi, the foundation of Nigeria's democracy is the constitutional right of every citizen to freely choose their leaders through the ballot box. This right, he stressed, is supreme and operates independently of who currently occupies the seat of power. "The strength of our democracy lies in the power of the electorate," Ajadi declared. He described elections as the peaceful and legitimate instrument through which citizens express their collective will.
A Call for Vigilance and Civic Participation
The politician drew lessons from political history both within Nigeria and across the African continent, noting that leadership changes have consistently occurred when citizens become actively involved in the electoral process. He pointed out that holding public office does not automatically translate to future electoral victory, highlighting that performance in office and the trust of the public remain the decisive factors in any democratic contest.
Ajadi used the opportunity to urge Nigerians, particularly the youth and potential first-time voters, to intensify their civic engagement. He called for sustained participation in activities like voter registration, peaceful political mobilisation, and ultimately, voting on election day. "Democracy thrives when citizens believe in and utilise the instruments provided by the constitution," he stated.
Elections as the Avenue for Accountability
Ajadi further noted that elections serve as the appropriate and constitutional channel for holding leaders accountable. He made this point against the backdrop of widespread concerns among Nigerians regarding pressing national issues such as the economic situation, security challenges, and the high cost of living.
Reaffirming the commitment of his party, the PDP, to peaceful political competition, Ajadi advocated for increased civic education and strict adherence to democratic values as political activities gradually intensify towards the 2027 general elections. He concluded with a firm belief that the future of Nigeria's leadership will be shaped through lawful, peaceful, and genuinely participatory democratic processes, firmly placing the power of choice in the hands of ordinary Nigerians.
