The opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwara State has stated that the party is relying on the widespread acceptability of its grassroots structures and the people's support as demonstrated during the last local government council elections to secure a decisive victory in the 2027 general elections in the state.

A PDP statement issued in Ilorin on Tuesday and signed by the party's State Publicity Secretary, Mr Olusegun Olusola Adewara, declared: "The PDP will not wait for an Abuja handshake before the party wins the 2027 general elections in Kwara State."

The statement was an apparent response to recent comments by former Ambassador to Japan and now a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the state, Prof. Yisa Gana. The PDP said: "It finds it laughable Prof. Gana's false claim that PDP members are relying on a supposed 'deal' with President Tinubu to take over Kwara State in 2027.

"First, we understand where this spurious concoction is coming from, but it is necessary to remind Prof. Gana and his sponsors that the Kwara PDP did not rely on President Tinubu or any 'handshake from Abuja' to demonstrate the electoral strength we displayed in the last local government elections.

"The strength was such that Prof. Gana himself admitted the PDP overwhelmingly won before the ruling party subverted the process."

"Second, Prof. Yisa's falsehood that the PDP failed to seek redress in court after the rigged council polls is most unfortunate coming from someone of his status".

The statement added, "He (Gana) is also well aware that PDP candidates and leaders in Patigi, Offa, Ilorin South, Irepodun and several other LGAs approached the tribunals to challenge the fraudulent results declared by KWASIEC

"And, if indeed he believes PDP should have done more, we ask: what personal sacrifice or contributions did he make to support the struggle? How much did he contribute to fund litigations in his own ward or local government?

"Is it not shameful that the former PDP chieftain cannot allegedly pay the N25,000 nomination fee for a councillorship aspirant in his local government, let alone the over N100,000 KWASIEC needed to obtain KWASIEC forms, until Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, who is not from Patigi?".

Adewara therefore said the PDP will continue to work round the clock so as to ensure the party's electoral victory in the next elections in the state.

Apart from this, the party would also continue to consolidate the grassroots strength and align with the yearnings of Kwarans for a genuine rescue of the state come 2027 saying that, the PDP has the structure and vision to truly rescue Kwara from the ruling APC government.