PDP, APC leaders mobilize ahead of governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states
Political activities intensified on Wednesday as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) made strategic moves ahead of the Ekiti and Osun State governorship elections, signalling the high stakes of the 2025 polls.
The PDP National Chairman, Taminu Kabiru Turaki, who leads the mainstream faction of the party, convened a meeting with 29 state chairmen, underscoring his commitment to “take the party down to the grassroots across the country.”
The gathering, which received a vote of confidence from the state leaders, also highlighted the party’s resolve to reclaim the Ekiti State governorship.
Speaking to the forum, Turaki criticised the ruling APC, describing its leadership as retrogressive and failing the nation.
“Today, Nigerians are living witnesses that the achievements and progress of the 16 PDP’s glorious years have either been destroyed or reversed,” he said.
Turaki also emphasised the unity and legitimacy of the party’s leadership, asserting that the present National Working Committee (NWC) is recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The meeting also addressed ongoing disputes within the PDP, challenging opposing factions, including the Nyesom Wike group, to present INEC-recognised candidates for Ekiti State.
The PDP leadership also presented the certificate of return to Dr. Oluyede Oluwole, the party’s governorship candidate for Ekiti State.
The certificate, issued by INEC and handed over by Turaki, formally recognised Oluwole as the authentic PDP candidate for the election, cementing the party’s electoral preparedness in the state.
In Osun State, President Bola Tinubu convened a meeting with all eight APC governorship aspirants ahead of the party’s primary election scheduled for Saturday, December 13.
The president called on the aspirants to work together to secure victory in the main election, highlighting the strategic importance of Osun to the APC.
Tinubu, who was accompanied by top party officials including APC National Chairman Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, SGF Senator George Akume, and Progressive Governors Forum Chairman Governor Hope Uzodimma, urged the aspirants to avoid the disunity that led to the party’s defeat in the previous election.
“You all have a duty and obligation to the party by ensuring the candidate of our party wins the next election in Osun State,” the president said, emphasising party supremacy and collective responsibility.
Following the meeting, a joint statement was issued by the aspirants and party leaders.
The declaration affirmed the supremacy of the APC in selecting its flagbearer, pledged support for the consensus candidate, and committed all participants to peace, unity, and cohesion throughout the election process.
The agreement reinforced the aspirants’ resolve to consolidate good governance in Osun State and work collectively to deliver victory for the APC.
The developments in both parties highlight a period of intense mobilization and strategic positioning ahead of critical governorship elections.
While the PDP is solidifying its grassroots network and asserting its candidate’s legitimacy in Ekiti State, the APC is emphasising unity and party discipline in Osun State to reclaim lost ground.
