Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has debunked rumours suggesting he may exit the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), declaring his unwavering loyalty to the party despite recent defections by some prominent members.
Makinde addressed the issue during the swearing-in ceremony of the newly elected South-West zonal executives of the PDP, held at the party’s zonal headquarters, Soji Adagunodo House, located along Old Ife Road in Ibadan.
While acknowledging growing concerns about the PDP’s future amidst shifting political alliances, Makinde reassured party faithful that the PDP still resonates with ordinary Nigerians.
“People have been asking questions—governors are leaving, others are threatening to leave. But I told them: let us not be worried unless hunger has joined the APC,” he remarked.
He stressed that the prevailing economic hardship will influence voter sentiment in the 2027 elections, saying, “The moment hunger moves to the ruling party, that’s when we should worry. Until then, the suffering of the masses will guide political direction.”
The governor applauded the PDP’s institutional stability and resilience, contrasting it with what he described as the disorganized structure of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). He cited the PDP’s survival and continued relevance at the state level since losing control at the federal level in 2015 as proof of the party’s strength.
“Some say the PDP breeds powerful individuals but lacks strong structures—I disagree. After the 2015 loss, the PDP stood its ground. They said our party was crumbling in Oyo in 2017, but we emerged victorious in the next election,” he said.
Makinde further challenged the APC’s internal coordination, highlighting the PDP’s consistency in holding congresses and National Executive Committee meetings, which he said the APC has failed to match.
He pledged total support for the new zonal executives and reaffirmed a collaborative effort with Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, to strengthen the party in the region.
“This new team will receive all the support it needs. My brother from Osun has made the promise, and I stand with him on it,” he said.
Makinde also commended PDP loyalists for their dedication and assured them of more opportunities as the party gears up for its national convention.
Governor Adeleke, in his remarks, described the emergence of the new zonal leadership as a step forward and urged them to foster unity and inclusion in their operations.
Meanwhile, the newly inaugurated PDP National Vice Chairman (South-West), Engr. Kamorudeen Ajisafe, expressed gratitude for the smooth conduct of the zonal polls and promised to work closely with state chairmen to strengthen the party’s grassroots appeal and electoral prospects.
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