Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State delivered a stirring address at the inauguration of the Peoples Democratic Institute (PDI) Board of Governors and the unveiling of the PDI Roadmap in Abuja on Thursday.
In his written speech delivered at the event, held at the NEC Hall, PDP national Secretariat, Wadata Plaza, Abuja, Makinde outlined the critical role the PDI will play in the party’s future and called on party members to unite ahead of key electoral challenges in the future.
Makinde’s equally called for unity and reconciliation within the PDP, urging party members to come together ahead of upcoming elections in different states, particularly in Ondo State.
I’m his words: “We need true reconciliation to wrest power from the APC in Ondo. We know the PDP has the more popular candidate and the support of the people, but we must be united to ensure that no form of rigging, whether institutional or otherwise, succeeds.”
Reflecting on the history of the PDP and the institute, Makinde posed a critical question for politicians: “What would you want to be remembered for?”
The governor emphasized that the unveiling of the PDI Roadmap was a major step toward defining the party’s ideology and vision for Nigeria’s future.
Expressing gratitude for the opportunity to serve under the PDP banner, Makinde thanked party members and stakeholders for their trust and support, particularly for his back-to-back mandates as governor.
He also acknowledged the honor of being the “Chief Unveiler” of the PDI Roadmap.
He recalled that the PDI, established in 2000 by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, was once a powerful force in shaping the party’s policy direction and Nigeria’s economic landscape.
He also recalled that during the PDP’s 16 years in power, the institute helped drive reforms in key sectors such as telecommunications, banking, and trade, contributing to the country’s economic growth.
However, following the party’s loss of the presidency in 2015, the PDI became largely inactive, and Makinde lamented the economic decline that followed, and attributed the challenge to the instability under the current government.
He stressed that as the nation approaches the 2027 elections, the PDP must revitalize the PDI to offer hope and direction to the Nigerian people.
“The PDI will serve as a training hub for party members, policymakers, and public servants, strengthening the PDP’s strategic capacity and laying the ideological foundation for the future,” Makinde said.
Makinde expressed confidence in the newly inaugurated PDI Board of Governors, now chaired by Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja, to steer the institute toward fulfilling its mission.
Makinde also used the occasion to knock the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), highlighted the differences in Nigeria’s economy under the PDP and the current administration saying “The APC has failed Nigerians, it is time for the PDP to reposition itself as the solution. The PDI is the vehicle through which we will rebuild our nation.” Makinde added.
The governor reiterated the PDP’s commitment to youth empowerment, stating that the party has always provided the youth with opportunities to engage in political institutions. With the PDI in place, Makinde pledged continued support for youth involvement and efforts to take back power at the federal level in 2027.
“As a youth at heart, mind, and body, I pledge to continue supporting the PDI and the PDP’s efforts to return to power and rebuild Nigeria,” he declared.
Makinde however, appealed to all Nigerians who believe in democracy and national development to join the PDP in shaping a brighter future for the country saying “When the history of Nigeria is written, you and I will be remembered as the people who stood up for the Nigerian dream.
“This dream will be shaped by a clear political ideology, and the PDI will be at the forefront of this transformation,” he concluded.