“Only PDP Can Rescue Nigeria from APC’s Failures — Dr. Adetokunbo Pearse”

Dr. Adetokunbo Pearse, a public affairs analyst and convener of Reset Lagos PDP, has weighed in on the evolving political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections. Speaking in an interview with ’Tana Aiyejina, Pearse, who was a member of the PDP’s National Presidential Campaign Council in 2023 and currently serves on the Board of Governors of the Peoples Democratic Institute, addressed the resignation of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the state of the PDP, and his outlook on President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Pearse described Atiku’s exit from the PDP as regrettable but not surprising, criticising the former Vice President’s repeated presidential ambitions despite the party’s zoning arrangements. “Atiku’s refusal to step aside after contesting in 2019 and 2023 shows a lack of reason. He will miss the PDP more than the PDP will miss him,” Pearse stated.

He praised the PDP’s recent stability, citing the party’s successful National Executive Committee meetings in April and May 2025 as signs of renewed cohesion and strength. “The era of mass defections is over. In fact, more members are leaving the APC than the PDP,” he said, predicting that the PDP will emerge as the leading political force by the time a new national chairman is elected.

Pearse dismissed the current relevance of the ADC coalition, calling it disorganised and lacking in structure. “People like Atiku, El-Rufai, Mark, Amaechi, and Aregbesola are not even confirmed members. Many original ADC members have rejected their entry,” he added, pointing out likely legal battles ahead for the party.

On national governance, Pearse described the Tinubu administration as a “monumental failure,” highlighting rising unemployment, poverty, inflation, and insecurity. He decried the collapse of the naira, growing national debt, and heightened regional distrust. “The Financial Times even warned that Nigeria is edging toward becoming a failed state,” he warned.

Addressing Lagos politics, Pearse insisted that the PDP remains competitive despite never producing a governor. He blamed past setbacks on the assassination of Funsho Williams and systemic voter suppression, particularly against Igbo voters. “PDP’s structure is strong at ward, LGA, and state levels. The main challenge is voter apathy due to perceived electoral manipulation,” he said.

Pearse noted that the Lagos PDP is open to gubernatorial aspirants, mentioning Funso Doherty, Setonji Kosoedo, and Prince Yomi Ogungbe as likely contenders. He expressed confidence that whoever emerges from the PDP’s primaries will govern with integrity and progressive values, free from political godfathers.

On the chances of a united opposition defeating the APC, Pearse argued that only the PDP has the national reach, structure, and experience to mount a credible challenge. He questioned Atiku’s future political direction, stating, “Even he doesn’t seem to know what platform he’ll run on in 2027.”

While ruling out his own bid for office in 2027, Pearse left the door open for a leadership role if the party leadership deems it appropriate.

He urged Lagos residents not to lose faith in the PDP, insisting that real change can only come when power is wrested from the APC. “After over two decades in power, APC has grown complacent. Tinubu has long used state resources for personal and political gain — remember the Alpha-Beta saga? A PDP government would redirect Lagos’ vast revenues towards real development, improved services, and better infrastructure.”

Pearse concluded with a call for a political reset: “Lagos needs a fresh start. The people deserve better.”