A United Kingdom based legal luminary and governorship aspirant under the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State, Mogaji Barrister Niyi Aborisade, has expressed optimism that the ongoing internal crisis rocking the PDP will soon be resolved, describing it as a temporary setback that will eventually strengthen the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with WesternLifeNewsNG in Ibadan, Oyo state capital, Aborisade said the PDP remains the only credible opposition capable of rescuing Nigeria from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). He acknowledged that the party is facing serious internal challenges but maintained that reconciliation efforts are ongoing to restore unity.
“We can no longer pretend that all is well within our party when in fact it is not,” Aborisade stated.
“PDP is going through a serious problem involving internal power struggles and personal interests. But thank God this is happening before the convention and the primaries, because we still have time to resolve it amicably.”
He added that certain elements were working to destabilize the PDP, describing the situation metaphorically.
“The hand is that of Esau but the voice is that of Jacob. It seems infiltrators have been planted among us, but our leaders at the national level understand the game and are working to restore normalcy. In the end, power belongs to the people, and PDP will emerge stronger than before.”
Aborisade, who has been active in human rights advocacy for over three decades, said his decision to contest for governor was borne out of a strong desire to improve the living standards of the people of Oyo State.
“I have lived in Europe for many years and seen how governments work efficiently. I have the political will to transform Oyo State. I believe in free education and quality healthcare. Chief Bola Ige did it in the old Oyo State, and I am a product of that system. I want to bring back those values and improve on them,” he said.
On why he chose to remain in the PDP despite its turbulence, Aborisade said he believes in the party’s democratic ideals and capacity for reform.
“PDP will not extinguish. What we are facing is temporary. It is unlike what we are seeing today where a force seems to be trying to impose a one-party system on Nigeria. That cannot work. PDP has ruled this country for 16 years and never tried to destroy other parties. We will reorganize and bounce back,” he assured.
The Oyo PDP chieftain further emphasized that he has built formidable political structures across all local government areas in the state, positioning himself as one of the most prepared aspirants for the governorship race.
“I am the only one with structures in all 30 local government areas. I have consulted widely, and the people are behind me. When people are behind you, there’s no way you won’t get the ticket,” he declared confidently.
Addressing concerns about possible defection should he fail to secure the party’s ticket, Aborisade dismissed the idea, stressing his loyalty to the PDP.
“I have been a loyal member of the PDP for years. Even when the will of the people was circumvented during my House of Representatives contest, I stayed. So, there’s no ‘if’. I will get the ticket and contest as governor under the PDP,” he said.
Reacting to the ongoing legal tussles affecting the party’s convention, Aborisade, a seasoned lawyer, described the court battles as political games that would soon be settled.
“We have conflicting court orders for now, but these matters will be resolved before the convention. Let’s wait and see how it plays out,” he remarked.
While addressing the defection of some prominent PDP members to the APC, the governorship hopeful said many of them would eventually return, describing their exit as driven by “fear of the unknown.”
“Some people believe once you join the APC all your sins are forgiven. But we know why they are leaving, and many will come back,” he added.
Aborisade concluded by urging his supporters to remain calm and hopeful:
“My people in the PDP should be still and know that our deliverance is at hand. We shall triumph over the enemy and overcome.”
