- Wasiu Adekunle Adejumo | Premier World News
As Nigeria’s political landscape gradually shifts toward the 2027 general elections, youth engagement, economic hardship and public confidence in governance remain dominant national conversations.
Against this backdrop, Premier World News engaged Comrade Sunkanmi Oyejide, popularly known as ‘Suco’, the Ogun State Youth Leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in an exclusive interview.
In this wide-ranging conversation, Oyejide speaks candidly on his political journey, the state of Nigeria under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, the growing discontent among young Nigerians and the PDP’s grassroots strategy ahead of 2027.
He also offers insight into youth mobilisation, party loyalty amid defections and the battle for Ogun State.
Articulate, grounded and unapologetically political, the PDP youth leader argues that Nigeria’s socio-economic realities, not propaganda, will ultimately shape the next election, warning that the ruling party is steadily losing credibility among young voters.
THE INTERVIEW:
- Can we meet you sir?
My name is Oyejide Sunkanmi, popularly known as Suco. I am the Youth Leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State.
- How long have you been in the PDP?
I joined the PDP in 2014.
- Tell us how your political journey started?
My political journey began in Ward 8, Lafenwa/Abule Otun/Afonta, in Abeokuta North Local Government Area. I initially belonged to the Alliance for Democracy (AD).
Politics runs deep in my family. My late father, Hon. Segun Adisa Oyejide, was a councillor in the former Abeokuta Local Government (Ake), under the leadership of Late Chief Titilayo Ajanaku.
My late grandfather, Chief Lanidi Toki Oyejide, was among the first set of councillors representing Ogun State during the colonial era in Ibadan. He was a highly influential Egba leader from Abeokuta North.
My father was a banker with Agbonmagbe Bank, now Wema Bank, before he was encouraged to resign and go fully into politics, following in his father’s footsteps. So, I was born into politics, it is part of my heritage.
- Have you ever regretted joining politics?
I resigned from a multinational company to pursue politics. Today, many of my former colleagues are regional managers across Africa, and even my juniors are highly placed.
Here I am in politics, with little material wealth to show for it, but I have no regrets. Money is not everything.
Politics has given me visibility, relevance, and purpose. I have met leaders across political divides, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Senator Bukola Saraki, Peter Obi, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, Hon. Ladi Adebutu, Governor Seyi Makinde and even Governor Dapo Abiodun, during my time as Ogun State IPAC PRO.
My family is proud of me. For me, politics is about service to the people.
- Many have left the PDP due to internal crises. Why are you still in the party?
I remain in the PDP because the party gave me a platform to grow and express my political capacity. PDP is different.
I have served twice as the State Publicity Secretary and I am currently serving my second term as State Youth Leader. I was also the party’s agent during the last gubernatorial election.
During the coalition era, many were surprised to see a young man representing a party as big as PDP. That speaks volumes.
PDP is youth-friendly and has a strong internal democratic structure. That is why I am still here.
- Do you see Nigerian youths supporting President Tinubu’s re-election in 2027?
Input determines output. Nigeria’s reality will shape the next election. Nigeria today is grappling with hunger, insecurity, economic hardship, unemployment and deepening poverty. These are not abstract statistics; they are lived realities for millions of Nigerians, especially the youth.
As a result, President Tinubu’s government is steadily losing credibility among young Nigerians.
The youth population, which constitutes the largest voting bloc, is increasingly disillusioned and frustrated.
As 2027 approaches, these conditions will likely translate into protest votes. Young Nigerians are prepared to use the ballot as a tool of resistance against hardship, misgovernance and unfulfilled promises.
If the current trajectory continues, Tinubu’s second-term ambition will face serious resistance from a restless and politically conscious youth population demanding real change.
- What efforts are you making to ensure PDP takes over Ogun State in 2027?
My focus is not noise-making; it is structure, mobilisation and impact.
First, I am engaging young people across wards and polling units, sensitising them on voter registration, PVC collection, and the power of participation. Elections are not won on social media, they are won at the grassroots.
Second, I am bridging the gap between party leadership and the youth base. Many young people feel alienated, and my duty is to bring them back by ensuring their voices shape PDP policies and programmes.
Third, we are strengthening ward-level structures, appointing committed youth coordinators, organising town-hall meetings, and supporting party activities consistently, not only during campaigns.
Beyond politics, we are driving empowerment initiatives and community support programmes that demonstrate PDP’s commitment to people’s welfare.
Our strategy is simple:
Organise the grassroots. Energise the youth. Protect the vote. Present credible candidates.With unity, hard work, and people-centred leadership, PDP will reclaim Ogun State in 2027.
