The national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed optimism that the growing hunger and widespread poverty across Nigeria present a strong opportunity for the party to secure the presidency and win additional governorship seats in the 2027 elections.

Alhaji Ahmed Yayare, the PDP’s National Treasurer, shared this view during a visit to Governor Duoye Diri at his country home in Sampou, Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. The visit was part of the National Working Committee’s (NWC) tour of PDP-led states.

Governor Diri, addressing his guests, stressed the need for unity within the PDP, describing it as the only credible opposition party in Nigeria.

Meanwhile, in Bauchi State, Governor Bala Mohammed reaffirmed his commitment to advancing the PDP’s vision and contributing to national development. Mohammed made this declaration while receiving the NWC members, who were in the state to offer condolences following the death of his stepmother.

In a significant political shift, thousands of youths and others from the All Progressives Congress (APC), led by a prominent northern youth leader, Usman Adamu, defected to the PDP. The defection, which took place at a ceremony in Azare, marked the first major realignment of 2024.

Yayare highlighted the mounting discontent nationwide, driven by persistent economic challenges, as a factor positioning the PDP for electoral success in 2027. He declared, “The cry of hunger and poverty in the land is deafening. If the PDP does not take over leadership in 2027, it could spell the end of democracy in Nigeria. The APC can hardly campaign without facing backlash; the people are yearning for change.”

During the visit to Diri, Yayare added, “The PDP must be prepared to reclaim the presidency and vice presidency in 2027. Our mission to salvage Nigeria requires the collective effort of all party members.”

The delegation also conveyed their condolences to Governor Diri over the recent deaths of retired Deputy Inspector General of Police Moses Jituboh and the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs Elizabeth Bidei.

PDP National Secretary, Udeh Okoye, reaffirmed the NWC’s resolve to reposition the party as a credible alternative capable of delivering quality leadership. He lauded Governor Diri for his developmental strides in Bayelsa, describing him as an exemplary leader.

Diri, in his response, emphasised the importance of collaboration among PDP governors. He cautioned against internal divisions, urging members to resolve disputes amicably. “The PDP must not fail in our hands. If we do the wrong thing for political expediency, posterity will not forgive us,” Diri said.

The governor also supported the idea of forming a “mega party,” with the PDP at the forefront, to reclaim power at the national level.

In Bauchi, Governor Mohammed reiterated his commitment to strengthening the PDP during the condolence visit. He thanked the NWC for their solidarity and pledged to collaborate with Udeh Okoye to advance the party’s goals.

Addressing the defectors in Azare, Adamu commended Governor Mohammed for transforming Bauchi State and vowed to support the PDP’s continued success. “The achievements in education, healthcare, and human development under Governor Mohammed are remarkable. I am joining PDP to contribute to this progress,” he said.

The PDP state chairman, Sama’ila Adamu Burga, welcomed the defectors, assuring them of equal rights and privileges as full party members.