The Lagos State governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Adetokunbo Pearse, has described the candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Laja Adeoye, as relatively unknown, claiming that Adeoye could eventually step down for him if the political situation demands it.
Pearse made the statement while speaking on the 2027 Lagos governorship race, citing the experience of the PDP in Osun State, where he said the party’s candidate initially believed he would not make the ballot and therefore did not sufficiently prepare. According to him, when the candidate eventually secured a place on the ballot shortly before the election, he had little time to mount an effective campaign and ultimately stepped down for Ademola Adeleke, who was also a PDP member.
He said the experience informed his decision to publicly declare former President Goodluck Jonathan’s presidential ambition, arguing that the party must be prepared in case the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) places its candidates on the ballot at the last minute.
Pearse also dismissed reports that Jonathan was being forced to contest the 2027 presidential election, saying the former president was pursuing the ambition despite alleged threats intended to discourage him.
Pearse maintained that Jonathan’s relative silence on the presidential bid should not be interpreted as a withdrawal, insisting that he is still committed to the process and that reports suggesting he was being compelled to run were false.
