As the 2027 general elections approach, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwara South must carefully evaluate the strategy that will give it the best chance of reclaiming electoral victories. While zoning, equity, and justice remain important values within the party, electoral success should ultimately guide its decisions if the goal is truly to return to power.
The experience of the last two election cycles provides valuable lessons. In both 2019 and 2023, the PDP zoned its House of Representatives ticket for the Irepodun/Ekiti/Isin/Oke Ero Federal Constituency to the Ekiti axis, producing Hon. Dare Bankole of Oke Ero Local Government as its candidate. Despite the intention to promote fairness, the party lost both elections, while the All Progressives Congress (APC) consistently retained its ticket in the politically dominant Irepodun Local Government and emerged victorious.
As preparations for 2027 intensify, the debate within the PDP has become more pronounced. Aspirants from the Irepodun and Isin axis, including Amofin Titilope Akogun and Ambassador Rotimi Alabi, have continued to promote the message of “Winning Again,” arguing that the party should prioritize electoral strength and field candidates with the greatest chance of defeating the APC. Meanwhile, aspirants from the Ekiti bloc, including Dr. Musa Audu Idowu, Dr. Hary Ilori, and Hon. Goke Bamidele, have maintained their call for equity and justice in the zoning arrangement.
Both arguments deserve respect, but politics is ultimately measured by electoral outcomes. A political party exists to win elections, implement its programmes, and provide effective representation. Where a particular strategy has repeatedly failed to deliver victory, it is only prudent for party leaders to reassess their approach and adopt one that reflects prevailing political realities without abandoning the principles of fairness.
The choice before the PDP is not merely about zoning; it is about strategy. And in politics, history has repeatedly shown that parties willing to learn from past elections are often the ones best positioned to shape the future.
The 2027 election presents the PDP with an opportunity to demonstrate that it has learned from experience. If the objective is truly to Win Again, then the party’s decisions must reflect not only the ideals of fairness but also the practical realities of winning elections.