A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwara State and the party’s House of Assembly aspirant in the 2013 election, Prince Seun Odeyemi, has expressed confidence that the party will make a strong comeback in the state in the 2027 general elections.
Odeyemi said the political atmosphere was increasingly favorable to the opposition party, adding that the PDP had assembled candidates with considerable experience, grassroots connections, and electoral value.
Speaking with journalists in Ilorin on Wednesday, he expressed optimism that the party would defeat the All Progressives Congress (APC) and reclaim political influence across the state.
Speaking on the party’s prospects ahead of the 2027 elections, Odeyemi described Hon. Saheed Popoola as “the greatest political asset” available to the PDP in Kwara South, particularly in its bid to defeat the APC candidate in the senatorial contest.
According to him, Popoola’s political experience and grassroots connections remained major advantages that the PDP would deploy in the election.
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“Hon. Saheed Popoola is the greatest political asset we have in Kwara South to defeat his rival in the APC. He has the experience, the grassroots connection, and the political exposure required to win and effectively represent the people,” Odeyemi said.
He recalled that Popoola served as Commissioner for Youth and Sports between 2008 and 2011 under the administrations of former Governors Bukola Saraki and Abdulfatah Ahmed before becoming Chairman of Offa Local Government Area between 2011 and 2013.
He also served as a member of the Kwara State House of Assembly, an experience which, according to Odeyemi, had prepared him for the responsibilities of representing the people at the National Assembly.
“His strongest asset is his experience, and that is what we need in the Red Chamber. We want someone who will be there, be outspoken, drive opinions, and make meaningful contributions to debates affecting his constituents and the country. Saheed Popoola will do well if elected,” he added.
Odeyemi also identified the PDP’s House of Representatives aspirant, Hon. Joseph Adewole Gbenga Obanla, as another political asset whose candidacy, he said, could improve the party’s chances in his constituency, particularly in Omu-Aran.
He described Obanla as a grassroots politician with experience in education, business, and community engagement.
“Obanla is not just a nickname; it is a position of responsibility in Omu-Aran. He was a retired teacher with a career spanning 35 years. He is someone we can give the mandate to represent us, and he will deliver.
“Obanla is a successful businessman and a grassroots politician. Omu-Aran is a big factor in his emergence. With his candidature and that of Saheed Popoola, I believe we will win the election,” Odeyemi said.
Speaking further on the PDP’s prospects in Ekiti Local Government Area, the party chieftain described the emergence of Hon. Reuben Ajayi as the party’s candidate for the State House of Assembly as a “good omen” for the Kwara PDP.
According to him, Ajayi’s professional background as a chartered accountant and his experience would be valuable to the people if elected.
“Reuben Ajayi is a chartered accountant with vast experience. If such a person becomes a lawmaker, he would be prudent and accountable to the people. We can trust him with everything.
“He is not going to be a bench warmer. His candidature is a boost to the Kwara PDP, and I believe he is going to follow in the footsteps of Yeyeluwa, Mrs. Felicia Ebun Owolabi,” he said.
Odeyemi recalled the contributions of Mrs. Owolabi, a former member of the Kwara State House of Assembly representing Ekiti Local Government, particularly her role in facilitating the establishment of a Kwara State University (KWASU) campus in Osi during her tenure.
He expressed optimism that Ajayi, if elected, would similarly attract development and opportunities to Ekiti Local Government Area.
“She was the one who brought the KWASU campus to Osi during her time as a member of the Kwara State House of Assembly representing Ekiti Local Government. If Hon. Reuben gets there too, he is going to bring many things to our local government area,” Odeyemi said.
On the governorship contest, Odeyemi said the PDP was also confident of victory, predicting that its governorship candidate, Engr. Kale Kawu, would emerge victorious in 2027.
He said the PDP candidate’s antecedents and engagements across Kwara State would work in his favour at the polls.
“Yes, the people of Kwara State want the PDP to return to power in 2027, and our governorship candidate, Engr. Kale Kawu, will emerge. The handwriting is already on the wall. There is no doubt about that.
“His antecedents will speak for him at the polls. Before now, Kawu has lit up Kwara State. He has touched everywhere. People want us in Kwara. Kwarans are desirous of the PDP this time around. Kwarans are tired of the APC,” he declared.
Odeyemi, a PDP stalwart from Obbo-Ile ward, urged PDP members and supporters across the state to remain united and committed, saying the party’s growing political structure and choice of candidates had positioned it to mount a formidable challenge in the 2027 elections.
He maintained that the combination of experienced politicians, professionals, and grassroots-oriented candidates would give the PDP the strength required to reconnect with voters and regain the confidence of Kwarans.