A leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwara State and the party’s House of Assembly aspirant in the 2013 elections, Prince Seun Odeyemi, has expressed confidence that the party will make a strong comeback in the state in the 2027 general elections.
Odeyemi said the political atmosphere was increasingly favorable for the opposition party, adding that the PDP had assembled candidates with considerable experience, grassroots connections and electoral value.
Speaking to journalists in Ilorin on Wednesday, he expressed optimism that the party would defeat the All Progressives Congress (APC) and regain political influence across the state.
Speaking on the party’s prospects ahead of the 2027 elections, Odeyemi described Hon. Saheed Popoola as “the biggest political asset” available to the PDP in Kwara South, particularly in his bid to defeat the APC candidate in the senatorial race.
According to him, Popoola’s political experience and his connections with the grassroots remained the main advantages that the PDP would deploy in the elections.
READ ALSO: We will participate in Abuja Convention, says Kwara PDP
“Honourable Saheed Popoola is the greatest political asset we have in Kwara South to defeat his rival in the APC. He has the experience, grassroots connection and political exposure to win and effectively represent the people,” Odeyemi said.
He recalled that Popoola served as Commissioner for Youth and Sports between 2008 and 2011 under the administrations of former governors Bukola Saraki and Abdulfatah Ahmed before becoming Chairman of Offa Local Government Area between 2011 and 2013.
He also served as a member of the Kwara State House of Assembly, an experience which Odeyemi said had prepared him for the responsibilities of representing the people in the National Assembly.
“His strongest asset is his experience, and that is what we need in the Red Chamber. We want someone who is there, who is outspoken, pushes opinions and makes meaningful contributions to debates that affect his constituents and the country. Saheed Popoola will do well if elected,” he added.
Odeyemi also identified the PDP House of Representatives aspirant, Hon. Joseph Adewole Gbenga Obanla, as another political asset whose candidacy, he said, could improve the chances of the party in his constituency, particularly in Omu-Aran.
He described Obanla as a grassroots politician with experience in education, business and community engagement.
“Obanla is not just a nickname; it is a position of responsibility in Omu-Aran. He was a retired teacher with a career spanning 35 years. He is someone we can give the mandate to represent us, and he will fulfill it.
“Obanla is a successful businessman and a grassroots politician. Omu-Aran is a major factor in his emergence. With his and Saheed Popoola’s candidacy, I believe we will win the elections,” Odeyemi said.
Speaking further on the prospects of the PDP in Ekiti Local Government Area, the party leader described the emergence of Hon. Reuben Ajayi as the party’s candidate for the State House of Assembly as a “good omen” for the Kwara PDP.
According to him, Ajayi’s professional training as a chartered accountant and his experience would be valuable to the people if elected.
“Reuben Ajayi is a chartered accountant with extensive experience. If such a person becomes a legislator, he will be prudent and responsible to the people. We can trust him with everything.
“He is not going to be a bench warmer. His candidacy is a boost for the Kwara PDP, and I believe he is going to follow in the footsteps of Yeyeluwa, Mrs Felicia Ebun Owolabi,” he said.
Odeyemi recalled the contributions of Mrs Owolabi, a former member of the Kwara State House of Assembly representing Ekiti Local Government, particularly her role in facilitating the establishment of a Kwara State University (KWASU) campus in Osi during her tenure.
He expressed optimism that Ajayi, if elected, would similarly attract development and opportunities to Ekiti Local Government Area.
“She was the one who brought the KWASU campus to Osi during her time as a member of the Kwara State House of Assembly representing Ekiti local government. If Honorable Reuben comes there too, he will bring many things to our local government area,” Odeyemi said.
Regarding the governorship race, Odeyemi said the PDP was also confident of victory and predicted that its governorship candidate, Engr. Kale Kawu, would emerge victorious in 2027.
He said the PDP candidate’s background and commitments across Kwara State would work in his favor at the polls.
“Yes, the people of Kwara State want the PDP to return to power in 2027, and our gubernatorial candidate, Engineer Kale Kawu, will emerge. The writing is already on the wall. There is no doubt about it.
“His record will speak for him at the polls. So far, Kawu has lit up Kwara State. He has touched everywhere. People want us in Kwara. Kwarans are eager for the PDP this time. Kwarans are tired of the APC,” he declared.
Odeyemi, a PDP stalwart from Obbo-Ile district, urged PDP members and supporters across the state to remain united and committed, saying the party’s growing political structure and choice of candidates had positioned it to face a formidable challenge in the 2027 elections.
He maintained that the combination of experienced politicians, professionals and grassroots candidates would give the PDP the strength to reconnect with voters and regain the trust of Kwarans.
WATCH THE BEST VIDEOS FROM Newslodge TV