Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has restated his allegiance to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), insisting he has no plans to exit the party despite a wave of defections and internal tensions within the opposition.
Makinde gave the assurance on Wednesday during the inauguration of the newly elected South-West zonal executive members of the PDP, held at the party’s zonal secretariat, Soji Adagunodo House, along Old Ife Road in Ibadan.
Addressing concerns over recent political defections, the governor maintained that the PDP remains committed to ordinary Nigerians and would not be swayed by political movements.
“People have been asking us about the recent defections—some governors and notable members leaving the PDP—and they keep wondering about the future of our party. But here’s my response: we won’t be worried until hunger itself defects to the APC,” Makinde said.
He stressed that economic hardship remains widespread, and those enduring the brunt of it will ultimately shape the political landscape in the 2027 elections.
“So, let anyone who wishes to leave do so. We will remain with the Nigerian people,” he declared.
Makinde reaffirmed the PDP’s resilience, contrasting it with what he described as the weak institutional structure of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
He recalled the party’s survival and eventual victory in Oyo State despite internal crises, stating, “The PDP may have lost federal power in 2015, but it did not collapse. Even during our challenges in Oyo State around 2017, we still emerged victorious.”
Highlighting the importance of institutional strength, Makinde noted that while the PDP continues to organize and evolve, other parties lag behind.
“You won’t hear of the APC holding a South-West zonal congress. But today, we are here doing just that for the PDP. Our party has a structure that has withstood the test of time. We are heading into our 300th National Executive Committee meeting. That tells you something.”
He encouraged party loyalists to stay the course, emphasizing that the 2027 election would not just be a contest between parties, but a reflection of Nigerians’ frustration with current economic hardships.
“This next election will be APC versus the hungry Nigerians,” he said.
Makinde also promised support for the newly inaugurated zonal executives, aligning with the earlier commitment made by his Osun State counterpart, Governor Ademola Adeleke.
“I want to reaffirm our joint support for this executive team. We’ll give you all the backing you need to succeed,” Makinde added.
He also commended the dedication of party members, assuring them of more opportunities ahead as the PDP gears up for its upcoming National Convention.
Meanwhile, Governor Adeleke described the emergence of the new zonal leaders as a positive sign for the South-West, urging them to promote unity, foster inclusiveness, and reconcile aggrieved stakeholders.
In his acceptance speech, PDP National Vice Chairman (South-West), Engr. Kamorudeen Ajisafe, praised the peaceful conduct of the election and vowed to work closely with state party leaders to rebuild the party and secure future electoral victories.
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