The Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State, Modupe Aisida, has cautioned opposition figures against underestimating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential election, describing any attempt to unseat him single-handedly as “living in a fool’s paradise.”
Aisida made the remarks on Friday during an interview in Akure, where he acknowledged President Tinubu’s extensive political experience, formidable network, and firm grip on power, which he said continue to define Nigeria’s political landscape.
According to him, no single political party can defeat the incumbent president in 2027, stressing that Tinubu enjoys the full advantages of incumbency, a strong political structure, and deep-rooted influence across the country.
The Ondo PDP chairman argued that only a broad-based opposition alliance, anchored by the PDP, could pose a serious challenge to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
“Tinubu is the incumbent President and he is on top of his game. Anybody thinking he can unseat him alone must be living in a fool’s paradise,” Aisida said.
“There must be collaboration. The PDP has structures in every ward, local government, and across all states. Other opposition parties can come to us for such an alliance.”
He clarified that the call for collaboration does not amount to conceding defeat or relinquishing the PDP’s role as the main opposition party, but rather reflects a need for realism, introspection, and strategic reorganisation.
“There is nothing wrong with this. It happened in 1999. Everywhere in the world, incumbents enjoy enormous advantages,” he said. “If people are deceiving themselves, I am a realist. An incumbent will always have some advantages over the opposition.”
Aisida added that the PDP would have performed better in the 2023 presidential election if it had formed alliances with other opposition parties.
He also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to maintain fairness and impartiality in its dealings with all political actors, noting that credible elections are essential to restoring public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process.
According to him, free and fair elections would reduce post-election litigation and protests, while producing leaders with broad legitimacy and public support.
“Well-accepted elections will produce strong leadership that the people can be proud of and willing to support in policies and programmes,” Aisida said.