OYO State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has reaffirmed his commitment to the Peoples Democratic Party, saying he has no intention of leaving the party despite recent defections and internal challenges.
Speaking on Wednesday during the official inauguration of the newly elected PDP South West zonal executive members at the party’s zonal secretariat, Soji Adagunodo House, Old Ife Road, Ibadan, Makinde declared that the PDP would remain aligned with the masses and their aspirations.
“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 assured party faithful that the PDP remains strong and resilient despite the storm of defections, noting that unlike the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), the PDP has sustained strong 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. 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 reiterated his commitment to supporting 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 commended the commitment of party members, stating, “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, Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, described the emergence of the new zonal leadership as a good omen for the South West and urged them to build inclusive party structures, embark on peace-building efforts, and unite aggrieved members.
In his inaugural speech, PDP National Vice Chairman (South West), Engr. Kamorudeen Ajisafe, praised the democratic conduct of the zonal election and pledged to work with state chairmen to reconcile the party and win more seats in future elections.
He added, “The struggle to win the presidency in 2027 would be championed from the South West.”
Ogun State PDP gubernatorial candidate in the 2023 election, Chief Ladi Adebutu, in his goodwill message, lauded Governors Makinde and Adeleke for their leadership, which he said enabled a rancour-free election of the zonal executive.
He called for unity among party members and said the PDP in the South West would continue to provide visionary leadership.
The event was attended by party leaders and stakeholders from across the South West.