2027 election: Ajadi kicks against war talk as PDP demands arrest of Ajimobi

A governorship aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State, Amb. Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, has cautioned against the use of inflammatory language in political discourse ahead of the 2027 governorship election, stressing that the democratic process must remain peaceful and people-driven.

Ajadi made the call while reacting to recent public comments circulating on social media and online platforms in which the forthcoming election was portrayed in confrontational terms.

One of the controversial comments was attributed to the wife of a former governor of Oyo State, Florence Ajimobi.

In a video that went viral on Friday, Ajimobi, who was recently appointed as an ambassador by President Bola Tinubu, was heard allegedly describing the 2027 election in the state as a war and suggesting that she had the support of the Federal Government to unseat the PDP administration.

Addressing a group of people in the video, she said the All Progressives Congress (APC) had the capacity to confront the PDP-led government.

“We are going to war in 2027. It is going to be war. Head-on war. PDP must go. Whatever they want to do, whatever tricks, all power belongs to God. We will beg God. And we are going to fight.

“Whatever they have at the state, we have at the federal level. They have money. We have money, we have all the support we need. We are not going to be intimidated. Let them get ready for us. We are ready for them,” she said.

Ajadi, however, warned that describing electoral contests in such a manner could heighten political tension and undermine the state’s long-standing reputation for peace.

In a statement issued through his media office, Ajadi emphasised that elections should never be framed as conflicts, noting that democratic participation must be guided by civility, respect for the rule of law, and the will of the electorate.

“Elections are not wars. They are constitutional processes designed to allow citizens freely choose their leaders. Any rhetoric that suggests otherwise is unhealthy for democracy and social stability,” he said.

The PDP aspirant urged political actors and stakeholders to exercise restraint in their utterances, adding that public figures have a responsibility to promote unity and avoid statements capable of creating fear or misunderstanding among citizens.

He further called on relevant institutions, including security agencies and election management bodies, to remain vigilant and proactive in ensuring a peaceful political environment as preparations for the 2027 elections progress.

Ajadi reiterated his belief that political leadership must emerge from credible engagement with voters rather than aggressive rhetoric, insisting that the people’s decision must always be respected.

“Our democracy can only thrive when campaigns are issue-based and centred on service, competence, and accountability. The will of the people must stand, and peace must be protected at all times,” he stated.

He also expressed confidence in the democratic process, noting that Nigerians are increasingly conscious of their civic responsibility and determined to make choices based on performance and vision rather than influence or intimidation.

Ajadi concluded by appealing to all political stakeholders across party lines to conduct their activities responsibly, stressing that no political ambition is worth disrupting the peace or harmony of Oyo State.

Meanwhile, the Oyo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party has called on security agencies to invite Florence Ajimobi for questioning over the comment.

The PDP made the call despite Ajimobi later making a U-turn and claiming that the video was generated using artificial intelligence.

The party said the alleged comment was capable of stoking tension and worsening the security situation in the state and the country if left unchecked.

The Assistant Publicity Secretary of the PDP in the state, Tella Moses, described the statement as “grave” and unbecoming of a diplomat, calling on the police and other security agencies to interrogate her.

The party also urged President Bola Tinubu to caution the former first lady, arguing that calling on people to prepare for war was “absurd, barbaric, illogical and unreasonable,” especially at a time when the country is grappling with multiple security and economic challenges.

“The PDP wants to remind Mrs. Ajimobi that since the inception of the PDP government in 2019 under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde, Oyo State has experienced unprecedented developments in terms of massive infrastructure, good education policy, security, health, and social services.

“Oyo State citizens have been experiencing peace and tranquillity, economic and political stability. The Seyi Makinde-led administration has also put an end to the hardship faced by workers and pensioners which her husband left behind.

“We want to let Mrs. Ajimobi know that the only war Nigerians and the people of Oyo State will fight is the war against hunger, which the APC administration represents with all its anti-human policies that have pushed Nigerians into extreme poverty.

“The people of Oyo State have rejected the APC in the past, and we believe they will do the same thing in 2027, as the APC represents darkness, hunger, starvation, and backwardness.

“The people of Oyo State, who have been experiencing good governance after the inglorious rule of Mrs. Ajimobi’s husband-led administration, should know that she has declared war on their economic stability, peace, freedom, and prosperity, and as such, she and her blood-sucking APC supporters should be rejected by all means possible,” the party said.

Calling on residents to remain calm, the PDP urged the people of the state to continue to support the Makinde-led administration, saying sustained cooperation would bring more dividends of democracy to the state.

However, the former first lady, in a statement posted on her Facebook page on Saturday, disowned the video, describing it as fake and deceptive.

“Digital forensic review has confirmed that this video is a synthetic fabrication created using generative AI. The footage is a ‘deepfake,’ where artificial intelligence has been used to manipulate the lip movements and voice to deliver a script that Dr. Ajimobi never spoke,” the statement partly read.