Former Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, Senator Biodun Olujimi, has cast serious doubt on Labour Party candidate Peter Obi’s strategy for the 2027 presidential election, asserting that Nigeria’s fast-changing political climate demands entirely new tactics from opposition leaders.
Appearing on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Olujimi stressed the formidable advantage held by President Bola Tinubu, emphasizing that experience and insider knowledge will play a decisive role in the next race. “The rhetoric of the last election will not work again, except he (Obi) comes with another gimmick. And you see, this (Tinubu) is a politician, a man who knows the terrain well,” she remarked, placing a spotlight on Tinubu’s reputation as a master strategist with a deep grasp of Nigeria’s political undercurrents.
Olujimi elaborated on the challenges facing new contenders, likening Tinubu’s hold on the political landscape to that of an experienced tactician who has weathered several storms and understands how to navigate party alliances, regional loyalties, and the shifting expectations of a youthful electorate. According to her, any competitor hoping to disrupt the status quo must present more than familiar narratives or campaign techniques—they must fundamentally redefine their approach and offer innovative, unifying solutions that resonate across regional and generational divides.
Transitioning from the national stage to state politics, Olujimi tackled the complex dynamics within the People’s Democratic Party in Ekiti. She sharply criticized former Governor Ayodele Fayose, accusing him of dismantling the party’s foundation through what she described as autocratic tactics and the imposition of loyalists as candidates against broader consensus. “Ayo Fayose killed the PDP in Ekiti. He alienated those who built the party, imposed candidates against popular will, and created factions that led to our repeated failures at the polls,” Olujimi declared, blaming him for alienating key stakeholders and sowing discord that weakened PDP’s electoral prospects.
Olujimi did not downplay her own role, admitting that repeated efforts by committed party members to restore unity and rebuild the PDP had repeatedly fallen victim to what she termed “high-handedness and divisive politics.” She highlighted how the exclusion of long-standing members and disregard for inclusive decision-making escalated infighting and drove many away, ultimately leading herself and other veterans to withdraw from active participation.
In a broad critique, the senator noted that the lack of transparent internal processes led to widespread defections, leaving PDP’s image tarnished in the eyes of voters and eroding trust that had taken years to build. “The PDP had a real opportunity to remain strong in Ekiti, but the selfish ambitions of one individual destroyed that chance,” she lamented. Olujimi’s reflections point to the urgent need for PDP to mend fences, strengthen internal democracy, and restore faith among its grassroots supporters ahead of future elections.
Her pointed assessment of both national and state-level opposition politics reveals a landscape where renewal is crucial—not just for individuals like Peter Obi, but for entire parties aspiring to challenge the dominance of more entrenched forces. As the 2027 elections draw closer, Olujimi’s warnings serve as a call to action for opposition leaders to learn from past errors, embrace real change, and rally disillusioned voters with substance, not just rhetoric.