Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has declared that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) remains strong, united, and fully prepared to surprise its critics in the 2027 general elections. He dismissed claims that the party is dead, insisting that the PDP is “well and alive” despite recent political challenges and defections.
Makinde made the declaration on Friday while addressing party leaders and members at the Southwest PDP Stakeholders’ Meeting held in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital. The meeting brought together key PDP leaders, elected officials, and party faithful from across the six states of the Southwest geopolitical zone.
The gathering attracted representatives from Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Ondo, Osun, and Ekiti States, reflecting the party’s efforts to strengthen unity and coordination in the region ahead of future elections.
Among those present at the meeting were the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Debo Ogundoyin; members of the House of Representatives from Oyo State elected on the platform of the PDP; former Governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola; the National Secretary of the PDP, Taofeek Arapaja; and the Southwest PDP Chairman, Kamorudeen Ajisafe.
Also in attendance were former PDP governorship candidate in Ogun State, Ladi Adebutu, as well as other party elders, youth leaders, and women leaders from across the region.
The meeting also witnessed the formal reception of two groups of defectors from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), a development that party leaders described as a sign of growing confidence in the PDP.
Addressing the gathering, Governor Makinde said the large turnout of party members and the influx of defectors had clearly proven those who wrote off the PDP wrong.
“I can assure you that the PDP is well and alive,” Makinde said. “Whoever thinks otherwise will be surprised beyond their imagination.”
The governor urged party members not to be discouraged by recent events, including internal disagreements and the defection of some prominent politicians to the ruling APC. According to him, such challenges are not new in Nigerian politics and do not mean the end of a party.
Makinde called on PDP leaders and members across the Southwest to remain united and focused on building strong structures at the grassroots level. He stressed that the strength of any political party lies in its ability to connect with ordinary people in communities, wards, and local government areas.
“So, my charge to you is, please hold your communities, hold your wards, hold your local governments, and it will be well with us,” he said.
He also encouraged party members to remain loyal and faithful, saying that unity and commitment would position the PDP for a strong showing in the 2027 general elections.
Makinde expressed confidence that the PDP still has a solid support base across the country and can regain power if it remains disciplined and focused on the needs of Nigerians.
While welcoming the governor and other party leaders, former Ogun PDP governorship candidate, Ladi Adebutu, also expressed optimism about the party’s future. He said the PDP had once again proved its critics wrong by demonstrating unity and resilience.
“Let’s remain firm in the PDP,” Adebutu said. “We now have structures from ward to the national levels. So, we have nothing to fear.”
The Abeokuta meeting comes at a time when the PDP is facing internal challenges at the national level, including leadership disputes and disagreements over the direction of the party. These issues have led to public disagreements among party leaders and raised concerns about the party’s readiness for future elections.
In recent months, the PDP has also witnessed a wave of high-profile defections to the ruling APC, further fuelling speculation about the party’s strength and unity.
However, Governor Makinde has consistently maintained that he remains committed to the PDP. Just a day before the Abeokuta meeting, the governor reaffirmed his loyalty to the opposition party during a media interaction after a closed-door meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the State House in Abuja.
Makinde’s visit to the President had sparked speculation about a possible defection to the APC, especially given the current political climate. However, the governor was quick to dismiss such rumours.
“No, I’m comfortable in the PDP,” Makinde told journalists.
He explained that his meeting with President Tinubu was strictly about governance and national issues, not party politics.
“The President is the President of Nigeria, not the President of APC,” Makinde said. “And we’re talking about governance here. So I came to discuss with the President on some governance issues, basically.”
When asked whether his recent public disagreements with some PDP stakeholders and his visit to the President signalled a shift toward the ruling party, Makinde firmly denied any plan to leave the PDP.
He stressed that while he is willing to work with the President on issues of national importance, his loyalty to the PDP remains firm.
Makinde also spoke on the importance of a strong opposition in a democratic system. According to him, democracy thrives when there is healthy competition and constructive criticism, adding that opposition parties play a key role in holding the government accountable.
He argued that as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections, it is important for the PDP to remain strong and credible as an alternative to the ruling party.
Political analysts say Makinde’s position as one of the most prominent PDP governors gives his words added weight. Oyo State is currently one of the states governed by the PDP, and Makinde’s administration has often been cited by party supporters as an example of effective governance.
Analysts also note that the Southwest region remains politically competitive, with no single party fully dominating the area. As a result, efforts by the PDP to rebuild and strengthen its structures in the region could play a key role in shaping future electoral outcomes.
As the 2027 general elections draw closer, both the PDP and APC are expected to intensify efforts to consolidate support across the country. For the PDP, the challenge will be to overcome internal divisions, rebuild public trust, and present a clear alternative vision to Nigerians.
For now, Governor Makinde’s message to party members is one of confidence and determination. According to him, the PDP is far from finished and is ready to prove its critics wrong when Nigerians head to the polls in 2027.