BREAKING: Wike PDP rejects Ibadan declaration, opposes single presidential candidate plan
“The so-called Ibadan summit is a ruse. It was merely an assemblage of individuals, not a legitimate convergence of political parties,” the faction stated, arguing that any credible coalition must be rooted in proper institutional authorisation rather than informal arrangements
Wike PDP rejects Ibadan declaration, opposes single presidential candidate plan
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) faction in Oyo State aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has rejected the outcome of a recent opposition summit held in Ibadan, distancing itself from calls for a unified presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement signed by the State Chairman, Prof. Abdulrahman Akinoso, and Secretary, Dr. Abiola Olaonipekun, the faction said it was neither represented at the meeting nor involved in any discussions that led to what has been described as the “Ibadan Declaration.”
The group, operating under the leadership of former Deputy Governor Barr. Hazeem Gbolarumi, described the summit as illegitimate, insisting that no recognised organ of the PDP at either the state or national level approved participation in such an engagement.
According to the statement, decisions of such magnitude require the formal backing of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) or National Executive Committee (NEC), adding that these constitutional procedures were not followed prior to the gathering.
“The so-called Ibadan summit is a ruse. It was merely an assemblage of individuals, not a legitimate convergence of political parties,” the faction stated, arguing that any credible coalition must be rooted in proper institutional authorisation rather than informal arrangements.
The group also firmly dismissed suggestions that the PDP was part of any alliance with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) or other opposition parties aimed at presenting a single presidential candidate in 2027.
It stressed that while political developments ahead of the next general elections are being closely monitored, the faction remains focused on strengthening internal party structures rather than engaging in what it termed premature coalition talks.
Reaffirming its position, the Wike-aligned PDP bloc said it would only consider strategic political decisions after wide consultations within the party’s constitutional framework.
The faction also urged the public and party members to disregard reports linking the PDP to the Ibadan declaration, reiterating its commitment to participating actively in the 2027 electoral process under duly approved party structures.
