The Ekiti State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has denied reports that its leadership is mobilising grassroots support for the presidential ambition of Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The controversy followed reports that PDP and Allied Peoples Movement (APM) stakeholders in Ekiti had begun mobilisation activities in support of Makinde’s proposed presidential bid. However, the recognised leadership of the Ekiti PDP has distanced itself from the reported initiative.
In a statement issued in Ado-Ekiti, the state PDP chairman, Lanre Omolase, described the report as false, fabricated and unauthorised. He said the party’s recognised leadership had neither approved nor inaugurated any campaign structure for Makinde in the state.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the Ekiti State PDP, under my leadership hereby distance itself completely from both the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) and any purported presidential mobilisation project for Governor Seyi Makinde,” Omolase said.
He maintained that individuals or groups should not use the name or structure of the Ekiti PDP to advance political interests without authorisation from the appropriate party organs.
Omolase also criticised Makinde, accusing the Oyo governor of political betrayal and insisting that the Ekiti PDP would not associate itself with the reported mobilisation effort.
The development highlights the political divisions and competing interests emerging ahead of the 2027 presidential election. While one group of PDP and APM stakeholders in Ekiti has publicly advocated support for Makinde, the state party leadership says it was not involved in the mobilisation.
The disagreement is significant because Makinde has emerged as one of the prominent figures being discussed within opposition circles ahead of 2027. His political allies have been exploring different platforms and alliances as parties seek viable alternatives to the ruling All Progressives Congress.
With political realignments gathering pace, disputes over who legitimately speaks for party structures are expected to become more frequent. The Ekiti PDP has therefore urged members and the public to verify political statements before attributing them to the party as preparations for the 2027 elections continue.
