The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekiti State has denied backing the presidential ambition of Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, and distanced itself from a group claiming to be mobilising support for him ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The controversy followed a campaign and awareness programme held in Ado-Ekiti on Thursday by a group identified as stakeholders of the PDP and the Allied Peoples Movement (APM). The group announced that it had commenced grassroots mobilisation in Ekiti State in support of Makinde’s presidential bid.
Makinde is currently the presidential candidate of the APM for the 2027 election. However, the Ekiti PDP leadership said the party had no involvement in the mobilisation exercise.
In a statement titled “Ekiti PDP Disowns Makinde, APM,” the state PDP Chairman, Lanre Omolase, said the party completely distanced itself from the group and its activities.
Omolase stated that the Ekiti PDP had neither authorised nor participated in any arrangement involving the APM or any campaign project promoting Makinde’s presidential ambition.
The chairman said the group did not represent the official position of the Ekiti PDP and urged members and the public to disregard any claim suggesting that the state chapter had endorsed Makinde.
The development comes amid increasing political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections, with politicians and political groups forming alliances and mobilising supporters across the country.
The disagreement also reflects the wider political realignments taking place within opposition circles as parties prepare for the next presidential election.
The PDP leadership in Ekiti has maintained that it remains committed to its own political structure and decisions and would communicate any official position through its recognised leadership.
The development is particularly significant because the reported mobilisation involved PDP members alongside APM supporters, creating the impression of an organised alliance in the state.
However, the Ekiti PDP leadership’s rejection means the reported mobilisation does not represent the official position of the party’s state chapter.
The controversy is expected to generate further discussion as political parties continue to position themselves ahead of 2027.
With the election approaching, questions surrounding party alliances, presidential candidates and the loyalty of party members are likely to remain major issues in Nigeria’s political landscape.
For now, the Ekiti PDP has made its position clear: it does not recognise or support the reported mobilisation for Makinde and has formally disowned the group involved.
