SIR: In recent days, political conversations across Ogun State and beyond have been dominated by speculation that prominent businessman and seasoned political figure, Otunba Rotimi Paseda, may be considering a move to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), a potential shift that could send ripples through the state’s political landscape.

While no official statement has been issued by Paseda or his camp, credible sources within political circles suggest that talks may already be underway, with some pointing to a possible alignment with some PDP chieftains. 

Paseda is no stranger to Ogun State’s political theatre. A respected philanthropist and international entrepreneur, he has consistently used his platform to advocate for grassroots empowerment, Awolowo style governance, and people development policies.

His political journey so far: In 2013/14, he financed the resuscitation, reemergence and putting on the ballots Awolowo’s Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) across 36 states of the federation.
• 2015 – Emerged as the Unity Party of Nigeria governorship candidate, championing free education, healthcare, and affordable housing.
• 2019 – Picked up the Social Democratic Party (SDP) ticket and ran a robust campaign across Ogun State.
• 2021 – Defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing strong support from his grassroots base and a shared ideological foundation.
• 2022 – Expressed discontent with APC governance under Governor Dapo Abiodun, publicly questioning the party’s direction and declaring that he would not support the governor’s re-election bid.

Insiders suggest several factors may be contributing to the growing talk of Paseda’s potential move to the PDP. These include disillusionment with the APC. Paseda has been openly critical of the ruling party’s performance in Ogun State. His ideological departure from the current administration is seen by many as a prelude to a formal break.
• Growing ties with PDP figures: Observers have noted Paseda’s increasing closeness to high-profile PDP leaders suggesting a budding political alignment.
• 2027 strategy: With the next gubernatorial election drawing closer, some believe Paseda may be positioning himself for a return to the ballot or playing stakeholder kingmaker in Ogun’s future leadership equation

Why PDP should harvest a Paseda
A potential alliance with Paseda represents more than just a high-profile defection — it would be a strategic masterstroke for PDP in several key areas:

• Expanding the PDP coalition beyond traditional base: Paseda has built a following across political divides — from progressives to centrists — and his movement between parties has brought him into contact with varied voter demographics. His presence in the PDP could help the party bridge ideological gaps and appeal to undecided or formerly APC-aligned voters.
• Grassroots access & network: With a formidable network in the Ijebu, Remo, and Yewa zones, Paseda offers instant reach into rural and semi-urban areas that PDP has struggled to fully consolidate. His philanthropic legacy through the Paseda Legacy Foundation has cemented loyalty in many underserved communities.

• Credibility & statesmanship: Unlike many defectors driven solely by political survival, Paseda’s moves have often been ideologically driven. Welcoming a figure like Paseda who has consistently remained one of the “genuinely” liked, respected, trusted and admired politician with both humanitarian focus, policy vision and technocratic clout that people are more likely to willingly want to follow could enhance the PDP’s image as a party of substance and reform not just ambition.

As of now, Paseda has not made any official declaration about his political future. But the speculation is persistent and growing louder. Whether these are just political whispers or the early signs of a strategic defection, one thing is clear: Paseda remains likable by people hence a political force whose next move could significantly influence Ogun State’s trajectory heading into 2027.

For the PDP, this could be a golden opportunity not just to gain a powerful ally, but to redefine its appeal in a state hungry for genuine leadership and inclusive governance. Until then, the political space watches and waits.
Ola Olaitan wrote from Ogun State.