OYO State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has issued a stern warning to those plotting to frustrate preparations for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)’s forthcoming National Convention scheduled for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, describing such efforts as “an attempt to stop a moving train”, an act he said would amount to political suicide.
News Point Nigeria reports that Makinde, who spoke to journalists in Abuja on Monday shortly after inaugurating the PDP National Convention Transportation Subcommittee, said Oyo State would deliver “the most successful convention in the history of the party.”
The governor’s warning comes amid rising tension within the PDP following a series of defections and internal disputes ahead of the convention.
Allies of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, had reportedly sought a court injunction to halt the convention, citing grievances over the South-South zonal structure, leadership tussles in Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Plateau States, as well as concerns over the party’s micro-zoning formula.
However, their bid suffered a setback last Thursday when Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja dismissed an ex parte application filed by Wike’s associates seeking to restrain the PDP and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from going ahead with the convention.
Reacting, Makinde, who chairs the Convention’s Transportation Subcommittee said the court’s decision had validated the party’s determination to press forward.
“This meeting is just a demonstration that the PDP train has moved,” he declared. “Whoever tries to stop a moving train is courting disaster. My advice is simple: no matter how highly placed, don’t commit political suicide.”
In recent months, the PDP has suffered high-profile defections. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Senate President David Mark, and publisher Dele Momodu have reportedly aligned with a new coalition led by the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Meanwhile, governors Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), and the party’s 2023 vice-presidential candidate, Ifeanyi Okowa, have all joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speculation is rife that Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah and Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri might also cross over to the APC before the convention.
But Makinde dismissed the defections as inconsequential, asserting that democracy thrives on plurality and competition.
“Democracy is about conflict and resolution,” he said. “If some people are defecting, it doesn’t mean our house is collapsing. Nigerians don’t want a one-party state. The PDP remains the only truly national party with structures in every ward of this country.”
When asked about his rumoured presidential ambition, the Oyo governor downplayed it, insisting that his priority was ensuring a smooth and successful convention.
“For now, our focus is to make the Ibadan convention the best in PDP’s history. Ambition means nothing if the party doesn’t survive. We must first strengthen the PDP before talking about 2027,” he said.
Makinde, who served as Secretary of the 2021 PDP National Convention Organising Committee, said no task was too small in service to the party.
“Even as a Transportation Subcommittee, our job is crucial. We’re responsible for ensuring the safe and efficient movement of delegates and supporters from all over Nigeria to Ibadan. The success of the entire convention depends on how well we execute this,” he stated.
Addressing committee members, Makinde urged party loyalists not to lose faith despite the current turbulence, assuring that the PDP’s internal challenges were temporary.
“This situation may appear tough, leaders and governors defecting but I have good news: when something lasting is being built, it often gets worse before it gets better,” he said.
He encouraged members to “hold their corners” and stay steadfast. “This is the moment when new heroes will emerge. This is not the time for self-doubt but for commitment and courage,” he said.
In his remarks, the Co-Chairman of the PDP National Convention and former Minister of Special Duties, Tanimu Turaki (SAN), declared that the party was on track to reclaim the Presidency.
“From the turnout and enthusiasm of members, it’s clear that the PDP is back on course. The journey to reclaim Aso Rock has started,” Turaki said.
PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, also expressed optimism, stating that the party remains the most democratic and organised in Nigeria.
“This is the only party that practices true internal democracy from the wards to the national level. With the people’s support, we will defeat the failed APC government in 2027,” Ologunagba said.
Efforts to reach Lere Olayinka, the media aide to the FCT Minister, for Wike’s camp reaction were unsuccessful as he did not respond to inquiries as of press time.