Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has urged members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to stay the course and not be discouraged by recent defections, stressing that the party is still on track to reclaim national leadership by 2027.
Speaking in Abuja during the inaugural meeting of the PDP National Convention Transportation Sub-Committee, which he chairs, Makinde acknowledged the concerns around high-profile exits from the party but remained optimistic about the future.
“This situation may appear like it’s difficult, because the news out there is people are defecting, governors are defecting,” he said. “I have good news. It may appear that it’s getting worse, but usually, when you want something that will endure, it will usually get worse before it gets better.”
Makinde encouraged members to use the current challenges as motivation, describing the moment as one where “new authentic heroes” would emerge within the party.
“When you hear the news of certain people who have defected, please just hold your own corner for PDP,” he said. “This is the moment where new authentic heroes are going to be made.”
Drawing from his own experience in Oyo politics, the governor recounted how, in the lead-up to the 2019 general elections, the PDP in the state had only one federal lawmaker. However, the tide quickly turned.
“Two weeks after, we had 26 out of 32 State Assembly members. We had people in the National Assembly. So, they may say whatever they like to say,” he recalled.
Makinde also took a swipe at critics claiming the PDP lacks national reach, firmly rejecting the notion.
“If you look at the attendance in this room, we are all from every corner of this country,” he said. “We have individuals from the North-West, from North Central, from the North-East, from the South-East, from the South-South, and from the South West; that is PDP.”
He emphasized that the PDP remains present in every ward across Nigeria, dismissing any suggestion that the party’s influence has waned.
On the logistics of the upcoming national convention in Ibadan, Makinde described the transportation sub-committee’s role as pivotal.
“Our work will start before they even leave home. So, it’s a major task,” he said, urging members to approach the responsibility with seriousness and dedication.
He gave his assurance that the convention would be a standout event in the party’s history.
“Hold me responsible if we do not have one of the best ever national conventions in the history of PDP,” Makinde declared confidently.
Former Minister of Special Duties and co-chairman of the convention, Taminu Turaki, also addressed the gathering. He praised Makinde’s leadership and continued commitment to the party.
“It is often said that to whom that much is given, much is expected,” Turaki noted, adding, “From your acceptance to chair the convention in the historic city of Ibadan, which is your state capital, you’ve shown exemplary leadership.”
He lauded Makinde for always being available to support the PDP, both when asked and even unprompted.
NAN
