IBADAN — Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has declared that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) remains strong and united in the South-West, stating that the party will not be distracted by talk of emerging opposition coalitions.
Speaking to journalists on Friday after a meeting of the South-West PDP Caucus at the party’s zonal secretariat in Ibadan, Makinde said the PDP is an enduring political institution that cannot be shaken by temporary alliances. He emphasized that PDP leaders in the region have resolved to remain within the party and work through any internal issues to emerge stronger.
“We want the whole world to know that the PDP in the South-West is united and we are together and that the coalition is not a threat to the PDP,” Makinde said. “Who are these people in this coalition? They were in some parties before, whether PDP or APC. What are their antecedents?”
Makinde likened the party to a house in need of repair, stating that responsible leaders would remain to fix its problems rather than abandon it. “If the roof is leaking… are we going to abandon the building and go somewhere else to take refuge? No! We will stay inside here and fix it,” he added.
The meeting had in attendance top PDP leaders including Osun State Deputy Governor Prince Kola Adewusi (representing Governor Ademola Adeleke), former Osun State Governor Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, and other stakeholders. A communiqué issued after the meeting distanced the South-West PDP leadership from the opposition coalition and reaffirmed their loyalty to the party.
According to the communiqué, the caucus expressed full support for the PDP National Working Committee and stressed that the party would remain open to alliances with like-minded Nigerians in the mission to rescue the country from the APC-led government.
The caucus also commended Governors Makinde and Adeleke for their leadership in stabilizing and strengthening the PDP in the region. It resolved to intensify efforts toward victory in upcoming by-elections in Oyo and Ogun States as well as the Lagos State local government elections.
In a firm message to the Federal Government, the caucus demanded the immediate release of Osun State’s withheld local government allocation, describing the act as unconstitutional and detrimental to the welfare of the state’s residents.
The meeting also expressed deep concern over the worsening insecurity and economic hardship under the APC government. It echoed Governor Makinde’s assertion that the 2027 election would be a contest between Nigerians and the APC, with the PDP standing as the vehicle for change.
Other notable figures at the meeting included PDP Deputy National Chairman (South) Amb. Taofeek Arapaja, Dr Eddy Olafeso, Senator Monsurat Sunmonu, Dr Saka Balogun, PDP National Vice Chairman (South-West) Kamorudeen Ajisafe, and Oyo State PDP Secretary Alhaji Wasiu Adeleke.
