Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has declared that the outcome of the 2027 general elections will be determined by the Nigerian masses grappling with hunger and hardship, not by the defection of politicians.
He emphasized that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) remains steadfast in its commitment to the people, regardless of recent waves of defections.
Governor Makinde made the statement 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.
According to a statement signed by his media adviser Sulaiman Olanrewaju He dismissed concerns over the defection of party members, including high-profile politicians, insisting that PDP remains the only political party in the country with enduring and robust institutional structures.
“The day hunger decamps to the ruling party, APC, then we’ll have something to worry about,” Makinde said. “But as long as there’s hunger in the land, it is the people – not the politicians – that will determine the 2027 elections.”
He assured party members of support from himself and Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, in strengthening the newly inaugurated zonal leadership.
“This is a demonstration of your commitment to the party. Positions will still come. We will have the national convention soon, and rest assured, we will not forget you,” Makinde told the party faithful.
Makinde also refuted claims that the PDP only builds strong personalities rather than institutions, noting the party’s resilience since losing federal power in 2015 and citing its consistent internal democratic practices.
“PDP is the only party that has held 300 NEC meetings. Has APC even held a South West congress? After this speech, they might rush to do so,” he remarked.
Also speaking, Governor Adeleke described the emergence of the new zonal leaders as a positive development for the region. He charged the executive to deepen grassroots mobilization and foster unity among party members across the South West.
In his inaugural address, the newly inaugurated PDP National Vice Chairman (South West), Engr. Kamorudeen Ajisafe, lauded the peaceful conduct of the zonal elections. He pledged to work with state party chairmen to reconcile aggrieved members and reposition the party for greater success.
“We will lead efforts to secure more governorship and legislative seats, and the drive to reclaim the presidency in 2027 will start from the South West,” Ajisafe stated.
Former Ogun State PDP gubernatorial candidate, Chief Ladi Adebutu, praised Governors Makinde and Adeleke for providing effective leadership that ensured a crisis-free election. He called for unity among party members to position the South West PDP for a stronger role in national politics.
The event was attended by PDP leaders from across the six South West states.
