Paragraph 1: Context and Denial
The Ogun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) vehemently denied reports circulating on social media alleging their support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the upcoming House of Representatives bye-election for the Remo Federal Constituency. This constituency, encompassing Remo North, Ikenne Remo, and Sagamu local governments, became vacant following the demise of Representative Adewunmi Onanuga in January 2025. The PDP labeled the circulating reports as “outright falsehood” and a deliberate attempt to mislead the public. While acknowledging their endorsement of President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid, the PDP clarified that this endorsement does not translate to supporting the APC in the bye-election or abandoning their own candidates and members.
Paragraph 2: Rationale for Tinubu’s Endorsement
The PDP explained that their support for Tinubu’s 2027 re-election stems from the principle of power rotation to the Southwest region after eight years of northern presidency (2015-2023). They emphasized that this endorsement is based on the broader national interest of ensuring regional balance and equity in political leadership, rather than an endorsement of the APC’s performance in Ogun State. The party urged residents not to conflate their support for Tinubu’s second term with approval of the APC’s governance at the state level, which they deem lackluster.
Paragraph 3: PDP’s Official Statement and Clarification
Kayode Adebayo, the PDP’s Publicity Secretary, released a statement refuting the rumors of their support for the APC candidate in the bye-election. He reiterated the party’s stance on Tinubu’s endorsement, emphasizing that it is rooted in the imperative of power shift to the South. Adebayo further clarified that their endorsement of Tinubu for the presidency would not affect the party’s support for its own candidates in the 2027 National Assembly and other state elections. He expressed surprise that the APC seemed oblivious to the PDP’s criticisms of Governor Dapo Abiodun’s performance during the 2023 elections, particularly his losses at his polling unit and ward.
Paragraph 4: Addressing APC’s Alleged Misinformation
The PDP accused the APC of twisting the narrative surrounding the PDP’s campaign flag-off for the House of Representatives bye-election, which took place in Sagamu. During this event, prominent PDP figures, including National Vice Chairman for the Southwest Kamorudeen Ajisafe, Ogun State Chairman Abayomi Tella, and 2023 governorship candidate Oladipupo Adebutu, publicly declared their support for Tinubu’s 2027 presidential bid. The PDP stressed that this endorsement is separate from the current bye-election and criticized the APC for attempting to leverage the president’s office to influence the outcome.
Paragraph 5: Emphasis on Distinct Electoral Contests
The PDP reiterated that the upcoming bye-election is unrelated to President Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027. They dismissed the APC’s alleged attempt to exploit the president’s endorsement for electoral gain in the bye-election as delusional. The party maintained its commitment to fielding its own candidate and contesting the bye-election vigorously, independent of their stance on the 2027 presidential race.
Paragraph 6: PDP’s Commitment to Contesting the Bye-Election
The PDP reaffirmed its commitment to participating fully in the August 16 bye-election and urged its members and supporters to disregard the false information being disseminated. They accused the APC of attempting to manipulate public perception and create confusion. The PDP asserted their determination to contest the election based on its own merits and the strength of its candidate, emphasizing the importance of separating the bye-election from the larger national political landscape and the 2027 presidential elections.
