Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, has declared that the outcome of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections will be shaped by the socio-economic struggles of ordinary Nigerians rather than the recent wave of defections by politicians to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking at the inauguration of the newly elected Southwest Zonal executive members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) held at the Soji Adagunodo House in Ibadan on Wednesday, Governor Makinde emphasized that the party remains committed to addressing the plight of hungry Nigerians, which he believes will ultimately influence voters’ decisions.
Makinde downplayed concerns about defections within the party, saying, “People have been asking where the party is going with so many defections, including governors threatening to leave. I said we will not be bothered until hunger itself decamps to the ruling party, APC. The day hunger moves, then we will know what to do.”
He added that while some politicians may defect, the PDP’s focus remains on staying connected with the people. “If any governors want to decamp, let them. We will stay with the people of Nigeria,” he said.
Addressing criticisms that the PDP has failed to build strong institutions, Makinde argued that the party’s resilience has been proven over time, even after losing power at the federal level in 2015.
“Despite crises, we still won elections in Oyo State. PDP is the only party in Nigeria with very strong institutions,” he stated.
Makinde also contrasted the PDP’s organizational strength with the APC’s challenges, noting that the APC has yet to hold a congress in the Southwest since coming to power.
“PDP’s next National Executive Committee meeting will be our 300th. PDP remains the party with the strongest institutions in Nigeria,” he asserted.
In his remarks, Osun State Governor Senator Ademola Adeleke called on party members to foster peace and unity across the Southwest and to reconcile aggrieved members ahead of the next general elections.
PDP National Vice Chairman for the Southwest, Engr. Kamorudeen Ajisafe, assured members of his commitment to work with state chairmen to harmonize the party and strengthen its prospects in the 2027 elections.
He emphasized that the Southwest would play a crucial role in the PDP’s bid to win the presidency.
Chief Ladi Adebutu, the PDP gubernatorial candidate for Ogun State in 2023, praised the leadership of Governors Makinde and Adeleke for ensuring a peaceful election of the Southwest zonal executive and urged party members to unite in preparing for future contests.
The inauguration event was attended by PDP leaders from all Southwest states, highlighting a shared commitment to building the party’s strength in the region ahead of 2027.