Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde has affirmed the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) commitment to meeting the aspirations of Nigerians despite recent defections by some members of the party.
The governor stated this at the official inauguration of the newly elected PDP South West zonal executive members held at the party’s zonal secretariat in Ibadan.
Makinde said that the PDP will continue to prioritise the needs and aspirations of Nigerians adding that the 2027 election will be determined by Nigerians living in hunger and not politicians.
“People have been asking us as leaders of this party that a lot of people are decamping, even governors, and some others are threatening to decamp and all of that. And they said, look, where is this party going?
“Well, I have good news; I said to the people that we will not be bothered until hunger has decamped to the ruling party, APC.
“So, don’t be bothered. If governors like, let them decamp. We will stay with the people of Nigeria.
“As leaders, we are committed to even further strengthening the institutions within the PDP. So, hold on to your party and I will repeat again that 2027 will not be APC versus PDP but APC versus the people that are hungry in Nigeria.”
In his remarks, the Osun State governor, Ademola Adeleke, urged the new leaders to strengthen the party’s structures through inclusive practices and pledged the support of both governors.
Delivering his inaugural speech, the PDP National Vice Chairman, (South West), Kamorudeen Ajisafe, assured PDP members of his determination to work with the states’ party chairmen to reconcile and harmonise the party with a view to winning more governorship seats and more legislative seats for the party in the next general elections.
“The struggle to return PDP back to the Nigeria’s Presidency will be championed from the Southwest, come 2027. Let this be the beginning of a new chapter, one defined not by division, but by unity.
“Not by promises alone, but by action. Not by fear, but by hope and a strong determination.
“The road ahead may not be easy. But I am convinced beyond reasonable doubt, with our unity of purpose, our party will not only be election-ready, but ready to Govern and make live better for the people,” he said.
In his goodwill message, the Ogun State PDP gubernatorial candidate in the 2023 election, Chief Ladi Adebutu, commended Gov. Makinde and his counterpart from Osun State, Gov Adeleke, for their quality leadership, which produced a rancour-free election of the executive.
He implored all the party members to come together, assuring that the party will provide leadership for the South West to get its due.
The event had in attendance PDP leaders from all the South West states