Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde has declared that the 2027 election will be a decisive moment for the Nigerian populace, stating it will be a choice between the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the citizens themselves.
He stated this on Saturday, during the commissioning of the newly built ultra-modern Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Southwest zonal secretariat in Ibadan, Oyo State, which was named in honour of the late Soji Adagunodo, a former Southwest Chairman of the PDP.
Makinde criticised the APC’s governance, asserting that the party has failed to deliver on its promises.
“The APC has been at the helm of affairs in this country, and they have woefully failed us. The people of Nigeria must now decide whether to retain them in power or vote them out,” he stated.
Emphasising the urgency of the situation, he added, “Nigerians are suffering, and there must be an end to it. We need to unite and push for change.”
He stressed that the forthcoming election will not merely be a contest between the APC and the PDP, but rather a referendum on the APC’s governance, with the Nigerian populace at the center of this decision-making process.
In addressing the internal conflicts within the PDP, Makinde called on the party’s leadership to take decisive action, adding, “The enemies of the party are within, not the opposition parties,” urging members to work together to heal the rifts.
He insisted that the party must maintain its unity in the Southwest, saying, “We must not allow the ruling party to disrupt the peace we have worked hard to create.”
Regarding his potential presidential aspirations, Makinde remarked, “I am old enough to make my own decisions about contesting or not. The current realities in the country will guide my choices.”
His comments reflect a thoughtful consideration of the political landscape as the 2027 election approaches.
In a related development, Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke advocated deeper introspection within the PDP to find lasting solutions to its internal conflicts.
“We must engage in honest discussions and reflections to heal our party and move forward together,” he noted, emphasising the need for unity and collaboration among party members.
“Our strength lies in our ability to come together as one. It is time to build bridges, not walls, within our party.”
He further called for a commitment to the party’s foundational values, remarking, “We must remember why we are here, to serve the people and uphold democracy.”
While addressing the gathering, PDP’s acting national chairman, Ambassador Illiya Damagum, extended his congratulations to all PDP governors for their commendable representation in their respective states, stating, “Our governors are the backbone of our party, showcasing the values we stand for across the nation.”
In his address of welcome, PDP zonal chairman Bar. Kamorudeen Ajisafe, represented by Zonal Secretary Hon. Rahman Owokoniran, acknowledged the significant efforts of party leaders and elders in restoring peace within the party.
“It is imperative that we channel our collective strength towards unseating the ruling party to ensure a better democracy for our people,” he urged.
In his remarks, one of the sons of the deceased, Soji Adagunodo Jr., expressed gratitude for the honour bestowed upon his father.
Adagunodo Jr. encouraged the PDP leadership to leverage this new space as a “solution house” for the party and the country, saying, “Let this edifice inspire us to seek real solutions for the myriad issues confronting our people and the nation.”
The commissioning event was attended by notable figures including state’s deputy governor, Adebayo Lawal; 2023 Ogun State PDP governorship candidate, Chief Ladi Adebutu, Ondo State PDP governorship candidate, Agboola Ajayi and several other party officials, such as Zonal Organizing Secretary Hon. Benson Aruwa and Zonal Women Leader Chief Mrs. Bosede Adedibu.
Former Governors Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Okezie Ikpeazu, and Samuel Ortom, along with PDP National Vice Chairman for the South, Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja, and former National Vice Chairman for the South, Dr. Eddy Olafeso, were also present, underscoring the PDP’s unity and strength in the Southwest region.
Notable senators and local representatives, including Senator Monsurat Sunmonu and Senator Gbenga Babalola, were also present to commemorate the occasion, highlighting the unity and strength of the PDP in the southwest region.
