Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has restated his allegiance to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), declaring he has no plans to defect despite ongoing internal crises and a wave of defections affecting the party.
Governor Makinde made the declaration on Wednesday at the official inauguration of the newly elected PDP South West zonal executive members, held at the party’s zonal secretariat, Soji Adagunodo House, Old Ife Road, Ibadan.
Addressing party members and leaders at the event, Governor Makinde sought to allay concerns over the stability of the PDP in the wake of high-profile defections.
“People have been asking us as leaders of this party that a lot of people are decamping, even governors, and some others are threatening to decamp and all of that. And they said, look, where is this party going?
“Well, I have good news; I said to the people that we will not be bothered until hunger has decamped to the ruling party, APC.
“The day hunger decamps, they should come and tell us and, then, we will know what to do. Because there is hunger in the land and majority of the people that are hungry would determine what 2027 would look like.
“So, don’t be bothered. If any governors like, let them decamp. We will stay with the people of Nigeria,” Makinde said.
He further emphasized that, despite challenges, the PDP remained a party with deep-rooted institutional frameworks unlike the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
“I read an analysis where they said the PDP has been building strong men but not strong institutions. I beg to differ. The PDP lost power at the federal level in 2015 but PDP did not die. After then, I read an article sometime around 2017 which was about PDP and its many crises in Oyo State. Despite the crises, we won election in Oyo State under PDP.
“We are here today to inaugurate the South-West Executive for the PDP. How much of an institution do you still want? They may sponsor so many people against the party but don’t be discouraged, PDP is the only party in Nigeria with very strong institutions. Have you heard about APC holding South-West congress? After this speech of mine, mark it, they will quickly go and do South West Congress.
“This is a party that only held NEC meeting once since the advent of this current administration. PDP’s NEC meeting, I believe the next one we are having is the 300th NEC meeting. So, PDP is the only party in Nigeria with very strong institutions.
“As leaders, we are committed to even further strengthen the institutions within the PDP. So, hold on to your party and I will repeat again that 2027 would not be APC versus PDP but APC versus the people that are hungry in Nigeria.”
Makinde also expressed full support for the new South-West zonal executive and promised collaboration to ensure they deliver on their mandate.
“My brother, the Executive Governor of Osun State, has already mentioned that the two of us will support our zonal Exco so that you can deliver. I am just reaffirming that. We will support this Exco to deliver on its mandate,” he said.
Makinde appreciated the dedication of PDP members who attended the event and encouraged them to remain committed.
“This is a demonstration of your commitment to this party, it is not about positions. And I can give you the assurance that there are still some positions coming. We are going to have the National Convention and would be asked to do one or two things. Rest assured that we will not forget you, and God will not also forget you.”
Also speaking at the event, Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, described the election of the new zonal leadership as a positive development for the region. He called on the new leaders to focus on inclusive governance, reconciliation, and unifying aggrieved members.
In his address, PDP National Vice Chairman (South West), Engr. Kamorudeen Ajisafe, commended the peaceful conduct of the zonal election and pledged to collaborate with state chairmen to consolidate party strength and secure electoral victories.
“The struggle to win the presidency in 2027 would be championed from the South West,” he said.
In his goodwill message, Chief Ladi Adebutu, PDP’s gubernatorial candidate in Ogun State during the 2023 elections, praised Governors Makinde and Adeleke for ensuring a peaceful and rancour-free electoral process. He called for unity within the party and vowed that the South West PDP would continue to provide visionary leadership.
The event drew the attendance of notable party leaders and stakeholders from across the region.
