Just In: Makinde, PDP leaders dismiss Coalition as a threat, declares S’West PDP united, strong*

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has reaffirmed the unity and strength of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the South West region, declaring that the recently reported political coalition poses no threat to the party’s relevance or stability.

Speaking with journalists shortly after a meeting of the South West PDP Zonal Caucus held at the Olusoji Adagunodo PDP Secretariat in Ibadan, Makinde, who is the Vice Chairman of Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) dismissed the emerging coalition as a recycled movement lacking new direction or credibility.

“We want the whole world to see and know that the PDP in the South West, we’re united, and we’re together,” the governor said.

Reacting to reports of some PDP leaders expressing willingness to remain in the party while simultaneously working with a coalition, Governor Makinde questioned the political integrity of such affiliations.

“Coalition is not a threat to the PDP. Who are these people in this coalition? They’ve been in some parties before, whether PDP or APC.

“What are their antecedents? Does it mean that every time they move from one party to another, they’ve repented, they’ve changed, or they have something new to offer the people?” he queried.

Drawing an analogy, Makinde added: “If this building here is PDP South West building, and the roof is leaking, as leaders of the PDP in the South West, are we going to abandon the building and go somewhere else to take refuge? No.

“We will stay inside and fix it, and let the people know that we are responsible leaders with the interest of the people at heart. That would be my own expectation for anybody that has anything against this party.”

Makinde further noted that the PDP, as a long-standing political institution, has established internal mechanisms to address dissent or disloyalty.

“A lot of people can say whatever they like, but in a party like PDP that is an institution, we have our own ways and means of dealing with such issues. When we get to that point, we’ll deal with it and give feedback,” he added.

Meanwhile, in a communique issued at the end of the meeting, the South West Zonal Caucus of the PDP reaffirmed its “unwavering loyalty to the PDP” and reiterated that the party remains the dominant and most viable platform in the region.

According to the communique, the party declared that the PDP in the South West is intact and committed to the unity, progress, and success of the party nationwide, commended Governors Seyi Makinde (Oyo) and Ademola Adeleke (Osun) for their leadership roles in stabilizing and advancing the party.

The party also affirmed its stance that the South West PDP is not part of any coalition and urges members to remain focused and steadfast while declaring support for the National Working Committee’s openness to working with like-minded Nigerians to rescue the country from APC’s “stranglehold.”

The party also vowed to intensify preparations for upcoming bye-elections in Oyo and Ogun States and local government polls in Lagos. The party equally demand for the immediate release of Osun State’s withheld local government allocations, describing the act as “unconstitutional and a violation of the people’s rights.

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While expressing concern over worsening insecurity and economic hardship under the APC-led government, the PDP rallied call to Nigerians to remain hopeful and support the PDP as the party poised to bring national rescue in 2027.

The Caucus reaffirmed Makinde’s earlier statement that the 2027 general elections will be “a battle between Nigerians and the APC,” with a confident projection that the PDP will emerge victorious.

Some of the PDP leaders present at the event also include the governor and former governor of Osun state, Senator Ademola Adeleke represented by his deputy, Prince Kola Adewusi, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Senator Monsurat Sunmonu, National Deputy Chairman (South), Ambassador Taofeeq Arapaja, Eddy Osifeso, Dr Saka Balogun, south west zonal PDP chairman, Engr. Kamarudeen Ajisafe, and others.