Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has declared that the outcome of the 2027 general elections will be decided by the everyday struggles of hungry Nigerians, not by political maneuvering.
He emphasized that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) remains committed to aligning with the masses, regardless of recent defections plaguing the party.
Governor Makinde made this assertion on Wednesday during the official inauguration of the newly elected PDP South West zonal executive members at the party’s zonal secretariat, Soji Adagunodo House, Old Ife Road, Ibadan.
Makinde dismissed the wave of defections from the PDP as inconsequential, insisting that the real power in the 2027 elections will lie with the people suffering under the current economic conditions.
“We will not be bothered until hunger has decamped to the ruling party, APC. There is hunger in the land, and the majority of the people who are hungry will determine what 2027 would look like,” he stated.
He urged party members to remain focused and undeterred by internal defections or external pressures, stressing that the PDP remains the only party in Nigeria with robust institutional structures.
Reaffirming his commitment to the newly inaugurated zonal executives, Makinde assured them of full backing, alongside Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke.
“We will support this Exco to deliver on its mandate,” he said.
Makinde also commended party members for their steadfastness, promising more opportunities ahead, particularly with the upcoming National Convention.
Addressing concerns about the party’s internal stability, Makinde defended PDP’s legacy of building enduring institutions.
“PDP lost power at the federal level in 2015, but the party didn’t die. Despite past crises, PDP continues to thrive in states like Oyo. We are inaugurating a zonal executive today—how much more institutional strength do you need?” he queried.
He contrasted PDP’s internal consistency with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), which he criticized for poor internal governance.
“This is a party that has only held one NEC meeting since this administration began. In contrast, PDP is preparing for its 300th NEC meeting,” he noted.
Governor Adeleke described the new zonal leadership as a sign of hope for the PDP in the South West. He charged them with the task of grassroots mobilization, inclusive governance, and peace-building efforts across the region.
PDP National Vice Chairman (South West), Engr. Kamorudeen Ajisafe, praised the peaceful and democratic conduct of the zonal election. He vowed to reconcile party members across states and lead efforts to secure more gubernatorial and legislative victories.
Chief Ladi Adebutu, the Ogun State PDP gubernatorial candidate in the 2023 election, also lauded the leadership of Makinde and Adeleke, expressing confidence in the party’s ability to lead the South West effectively.
The event saw attendance from prominent PDP leaders across all South West states.