Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has reaffirmed his steadfast commitment to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), declaring he has no intention of defecting despite recent departures and internal struggles.
Speaking on Wednesday during the inauguration of the newly elected PDP South West zonal executive members at the party’s secretariat in Ibadan, Makinde asserted that the PDP would remain aligned with the aspirations of the masses.
“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?” Makinde stated. “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.” He emphasized, “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.”
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Makinde assured party loyalists that the PDP remains strong and resilient despite recent defections, highlighting that unlike the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), the PDP maintains robust institutional structures.
“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,” he explained. “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.” He challenged the APC, saying, “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.” He further noted, “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.”
The governor reiterated his commitment to strengthening the party’s 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 reaffirmed his full support for the newly inaugurated zonal executive. “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.
He praised the dedication of party members, assuring them that their commitment would be recognized with future positions.
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, hailed the emergence of the new zonal leadership as a positive sign for the South West.
He urged the new executive to build inclusive party structures, focus on peace-building, and unite disgruntled members.
In his inaugural speech, PDP National Vice Chairman (South West), Engr. Kamorudeen Ajisafe, commended the democratic process of the zonal election.
He pledged to work with state chairmen to reconcile party members and secure more victories in future elections, asserting that “The struggle to win the presidency in 2027 would be championed from the South West.”
Chief Ladi Adebutu, the Ogun State PDP gubernatorial candidate in the 2023 election, commended Governors Makinde and Adeleke for their leadership, which he credited with ensuring a smooth election for the zonal executive.
He called for unity among party members, affirming that the PDP in the South West would continue to provide visionary leadership.
The event was attended by various party leaders and stakeholders from across the South West region.
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