Makinde dismisses defection rumour, affirms loyalty to PDP

Oyo State's Governor, Seyi Makinde, has quashed rumors regarding a potential shift from the Peoples Democratic Party, stating his unwavering dedication to the party.

He shared this information while speaking to PDP stakeholders from all 33 Local Government Areas at the Local Government House Secretariat in Ibadan, the capital city, on Monday.

This clarification follows a recent gathering where Makinde, along with former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, and former Bayelsa State governor, Senator Seriake Dickson, met with the national leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party, Rabiu Kwankwaso, in Kano State.

The governor reassured members of the PDP about the party's ongoing significance, emphasizing that despite facing difficulties, the party will not disintegrate and will actively engage in the 2027 general elections.

"Those claiming PDP will perish are wrong. It is clear that PDP will be present on the ballot for 2027, and we will nominate candidates for every position from state to national levels. We will persist with PDP and achieve success," he stated.

Makinde highlighted the importance of solidarity within the party, encouraging stakeholders to unite and employ consensus-building methods as the elections approach.

He instructed party leaders across various regions to hold meetings designed to reconcile differences and establish acceptable agreements.

"They aim to seize control of Oyo State by any means necessary, but it is our duty to ensure we adapt our regulations where needed to support one another," he remarked.

The governor also revealed that National Assembly members and first-term legislators in the state House of Assembly would be awarded automatic nominations.

He clarified that first-term representatives in the state Assembly would receive automatic nominations, while considerations for re-nominations would also apply to returning members based on existing agreements, including rotational systems.

"There are areas where individuals have opted not to return, and in some instances, second-term representatives might pursue a third term. We are getting ready for a challenging electoral fight, yet we believe in our victory.

"This struggle is not solely aimed at 2027; it pertains to the future of our democracy and the generations to come. Good things do not come easily. Achievements are realized through effort. Can we persevere through this? Yes. Can we succeed? Absolutely," he expressed.

Additionally, the governor reaffirmed both his commitment and that of his political network to the PDP, asserting that the party remains the foundation for all electoral competitions leading up to the 2027 general elections.

He made this announcement during a significant stakeholder meeting held at the State Secretariat on Monday, where party leaders, elected officials, and principal stakeholders convened to discuss the political strategy for the upcoming election cycle.

Makinde guaranteed party supporters that every candidate aspiring for elective roles in 2027 would run under the PDP banner, addressing any concerns regarding potential defections or different platforms.

He also indicated that the party would embrace a consensus-driven strategy for candidate selection, stressing the importance of unity and internal cohesion as vital to maintaining the PDP’s prominence throughout the state.