Makinde Insists PDP Alive, Says Party Will Shock Critics Ahead Of 2027

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has dismissed claims that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is in decline, declaring that the opposition party remains strong and fully prepared for the 2027 general elections.

Makinde made the assertion on Friday while addressing party leaders at the South-West PDP Stakeholders’ Meeting held in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.

The governor said the party was “well and alive,” insisting that the growing narrative of PDP’s collapse would soon be proven wrong.

The meeting drew key PDP leaders and political office holders from across Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Ondo, Osun and Ekiti states. Among those in attendance were the PDP National Secretary, Senator Taofeek Arapaja; South-West PDP Chairman, Kamorudeen Ajisafe; Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Debo Ogundoyin; former Osun State Governor, Olagunsoye Oyinlola; and former Ogun governorship candidate, Ladi Adebutu.

The gathering also witnessed the formal reception of defectors from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) into the PDP.

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Addressing stakeholders, Makinde said the turnout at the meeting, alongside the inflow of defectors, had effectively debunked claims that the PDP was politically irrelevant.

“I can assure you that the PDP is well and alive. Whoever thinks otherwise will be surprised beyond their imagination,” he said.

He urged party leaders to prioritise unity and grassroots mobilisation, stressing the need to strengthen PDP structures at ward, local government and community levels ahead of future elections.

Makinde also reaffirmed his loyalty to the PDP, despite recent high-profile defections to the ruling APC, stating that his recent meeting with President Bola Tinubu was strictly focused on governance issues and not partisan politics.