‘Whoever Thinks PDP Is Dead Will Be Surprised’ – Makinde

Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, has dismissed claims that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is dead, declaring that the opposition party remains strong and ready to surprise its critics ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Abia Radio News reports that Makinde made this assertion on Friday while speaking at the South-West PDP Stakeholders’ Meeting held in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

The meeting attracted prominent PDP leaders and political office holders from across the six South-West states of Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Ondo, Osun and Ekiti.

Among those present were the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Debo Ogundoyin; PDP members of the House of Representatives from Oyo State; a former Governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola; the National Secretary of the PDP, Senator Taofeek Arapaja; the South-West PDP Chairman, Kamorudeen Ajisafe; and a former Ogun State governorship candidate, Ladi Adebutu, among others.

The gathering also witnessed the reception of some defectors from the All Progressives Congress and the New Nigeria Peoples Party, further boosting the party’s morale in the region.

Addressing party leaders and supporters, Makinde said the massive turnout at the meeting, coupled with the defection of members from other parties, had exposed the falsehood in claims that the PDP was no longer relevant.

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

The Oyo State Governor urged party leaders and members to remain united and committed, stressing that the strength of the PDP lies in its grassroots structures.

He emphasised the need to consolidate the party’s presence in communities, wards and local government areas ahead of future elections.

“So, my charge to you is, please hold your communities, hold your wards, hold your local governments, and it will be well with us,” Makinde added.

He further encouraged party faithful to remain loyal and optimistic, expressing confidence in the PDP’s prospects in the coming years.

Earlier, while welcoming Makinde and other stakeholders, Adebutu said the PDP had once again proved its critics wrong, insisting that the party remained united and well-structured.

“Let’s remain firm in the PDP. We now have structures from the ward to the national level. So, we have nothing to fear,” Adebutu said.