A senior PDP official, Adetokunbo Pearse, said on Saturday that Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde is expected to become the Peoples Democratic Party’s presidential candidate by consensus. Pearse made the remarks during an interview on Arise Television’s “Morning Show.”
Pearse asserted that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is “digging a pit” for itself and that the PDP will avoid a similar fate. He emphasized the party’s strategy of selecting consensus candidates for all elective positions nationwide, arguing that this approach will curb campaign expenses and focus resources on the general election rather than on costly primaries.
According to Pearse, the PDP intends to present a unified front against the APC in the upcoming presidential election. He described the party’s prospective candidate roster as “the others” that will fall under the PDP umbrella, positioning the party to challenge the incumbent administration led by President Bola Tinubu.
The PDP official also expressed a preference for a younger, energetic leader to head the country, stating that Nigeria does not need “a very much older person as President” but rather “a vibrant young man who would pilot the affairs of the nation.” He linked this perspective to Makinde’s candidacy, suggesting that the governor embodies the desired profile.
Pearse noted that recent attacks on the PDP have strengthened the party’s resolve. He indicated that the consensus‑based selection process is intended to prevent internal divisions and to present a cohesive alternative to the electorate.
The comments come amid ongoing speculation about the PDP’s candidate selection process for the 2027 presidential election. While the party has not formally announced its nominee, internal discussions have reportedly focused on achieving broad agreement among party leaders and state chapters to avoid the factional disputes that have affected previous election cycles.
If Makinde secures the PDP’s consensus nomination, he would join a slate of candidates from other opposition parties that have signaled willingness to collaborate under a single umbrella to challenge the APC. The coalition strategy aims to consolidate opposition votes and increase the likelihood of unseating the ruling party.
The PDP’s approach, as outlined by Pearse, suggests a shift toward a more coordinated opposition effort. Observers will watch how the consensus model is implemented and whether it can deliver a unified ticket capable of competing effectively against the incumbent administration in the forthcoming national election.
