Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, has firmly reaffirmed his loyalty to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), declaring that he has no intention of abandoning the party, despite the wave of defections and internal wranglings that have recently rocked the PDP nationwide.
Speaking on Wednesday during the official inauguration of the newly elected South West Zonal Executive members of the party, held at the PDP Zonal Secretariat Soji Adagunodo House, Old Ife Road, Ibadan, Makinde assured party faithful that the PDP remains resilient and deeply connected to the aspirations of the Nigerian masses.
“People have been asking us, as leaders of this party, questions: that a lot of people are decamping, even governors, and some others are threatening to leave. They ask: where is this party going? Well, I have good news. I told them we won’t be bothered until hunger has decamped to the ruling party, APC,” Makinde said in a pointed remark that drew applause from party members.
“The day hunger decamps, they should let us know. Until then, we’ll stay with the people of Nigeria. If any governors like, let them decamp. We will remain with the masses.”
Makinde used the occasion to address concerns about the future of the party, asserting that the PDP has weathered greater storms in the past and has continued to stand strong. He dismissed suggestions that the party is built only around strong individuals, insisting instead that the PDP remains the only party in Nigeria with well-rooted institutional structures.
“I read somewhere that the PDP builds strong men, not strong institutions. I beg to differ. Since losing power at the federal level in 2015, PDP did not die. Even when Oyo State PDP was engulfed in crisis in 2017, we still went on to win the governorship,” he said.
Makinde further challenged the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) on its institutional capacity. “Have you heard of APC holding a South West congress? After this speech, mark it—they will rush to hold one. They’ve only held one NEC meeting since this administration began. Meanwhile, PDP is gearing up for its 300th NEC meeting. So tell me, which party has better institutions?”
He reaffirmed that 2027 would not just be a battle between the APC and PDP but a decisive showdown between the APC and the millions of hungry Nigerians desperate for change.
"2027 won’t be about parties. It’ll be APC versus the Nigerian people who are hungry," Makinde said with conviction.
He also pledged full support for the newly inaugurated zonal leadership, noting that together with Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, they will ensure that the South West PDP receives the backing it needs to deliver on its mandate.
“My brother, the Executive Governor of Osun State, has already promised to support this Exco. I am here to reaffirm that promise. We will work with you to strengthen our base,” Makinde said.
Makinde praised the commitment of party members, assuring them that more opportunities within the party structure would be made available ahead of the PDP National Convention. “This is not about positions. It’s about service. But rest assured, there are more positions ahead. We will not forget you, and God will not forget you either.”
In his address, Governor Ademola Adeleke described the emergence of the new zonal leadership as a sign of hope and unity for the South West. He called on the new executives to foster inclusivity, embark on peacebuilding initiatives, and bring aggrieved members back to the fold.
Also speaking, PDP National Vice Chairman (South West), Engr. Kamorudeen Ajisafe, praised the transparent and democratic process that led to the election of the zonal officers. He pledged to work closely with state chairmen and party leaders to rebuild the party and secure more electoral victories in the region.
“The battle for the presidency in 2027 will begin from the South West,” Ajisafe declared.
In a goodwill message, Chief Ladi Adebutu, PDP’s Ogun State gubernatorial candidate in the 2023 general election, commended Governors Makinde and Adeleke for their exemplary leadership, which he said was key to the peaceful conduct of the zonal congress. He called for unity, cooperation, and visionary leadership among PDP stakeholders in the zone.
The event attracted party stalwarts, state chairmen, legislators, youth and women leaders, and other stakeholders from across the six states of the South West region.
