Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has called on members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) across Nigeria not to lose faith despite the recent spate of defections, assuring them that the party’s current challenges are temporary and that victory lies ahead.
Makinde gave the assurance on Monday in Abuja during the inauguration of the PDP National Convention Transportation Subcommittee, which he chairs. He urged members to remain steadfast, united, and focused on rebuilding the party ahead of future elections.
The governor described the ongoing defections as a phase that would ultimately strengthen the PDP, saying the party had endured several storms since its formation in 1999 and remained a constant political force in Nigeria.
He stated, “We are all from every corner of this country. We have individuals from the Northwest, the North-Central, the North-East, the South-West, the South-South, and the South-East. That is PDP. They can go out there and say PDP is not everywhere, but let me assure you that PDP is in every ward of this country.”
Makinde acknowledged that the wave of defections might appear discouraging but maintained that such moments precede renewal and growth.
“It may appear that it’s getting worse, but usually, when you want something that will endure, it gets worse before it gets better. So don’t think otherwise,” he said.
He reminded members that since 1999, the PDP had remained a major player in Nigeria’s political landscape—either as the ruling party or the main opposition—and reaffirmed that the party was not about to collapse.
“We’re not going anywhere,” he said. “So when you hear the news that certain people have defected, please hold your own corner for PDP. This is the moment when new, authentic heroes are going to be made — not only for PDP but for our country.”
Makinde also appealed to members to trust in the leadership that would emerge from the upcoming PDP National Elective Convention scheduled for November 15–16 in Ibadan, Oyo State. He expressed confidence that the convention would produce credible leaders capable of repositioning the party and rescuing the nation.
He said, “Trust the leadership that we will enthrone and the leadership that will midwife the enthronement of the leaders that will eventually help this country. Just play your part. No matter how small the assignment, do it diligently, and we will all reap the benefits.”
The Oyo governor, who previously served as the Secretary of the PDP National Convention Organising Committee in 2021, said he accepted his current role as Chairman of the Transportation Subcommittee as part of his continued commitment to the party’s success.
“Our work is to ensure all logistics for the movement of delegates and supporters from every part of Nigeria to Ibadan,” Makinde explained. “The success of the convention will depend on the efficiency we put into this assignment.”
Recent months have seen several prominent PDP figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Senate President David Mark, and former presidential aspirant Dele Momodu, align with the African Democratic Congress-led coalition ahead of the 2027 elections.
Similarly, some PDP governors — Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom, Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta, and former vice-presidential candidate Ifeanyi Okowa — have joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), while reports suggest that Enugu Governor Peter Mbah and Bayelsa Governor Douye Diri may follow suit before the PDP convention.
Despite these developments, Makinde assured that the PDP would overcome its challenges and emerge stronger, urging members to remain dedicated and confident in the party’s future.
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