Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, says the 2027 presidential election won’t be about party politics but about the millions of Nigerians battling hunger....CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING.>>
Speaking on Wednesday at the official inauguration of the newly elected PDP South West zonal executive members in Ibadan, Makinde dismissed concerns over recent defections from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!With Nigeria’s cost of living spiraling, and discontent simmering just beneath the surface, the governor said it is not defections that will shape the future, but the stomachs of hungry and angry Nigerians.
In his words: “People have been asking us as leaders of this party that a lot of people are decamping, even governors, and some others are threatening to decamp and all of that. And they said, look, where is this party going?
“Well, I have good news; I said to the people that we will not be bothered until hunger has decamped to the ruling party, APC.
“The day hunger decamps, they should come and tell us and, then, we will know what to do. Because there is hunger in the land and majority of the people that are hungry would determine what 2027 would look like.
“So, don’t be bothered. If any governors like, let them decamp. We will stay with the people of Nigeria.”
“PDP Is Still Standing”
Makinde responded to criticisms that the PDP builds strong individuals rather than strong institutions. He argued that the party’s survival since losing federal power in 2015 is proof of its enduring structures.
“I read an analysis where they said the PDP has been building strong men but not strong institutions. I beg to differ. The PDP lost power at the federal level in 2015 but PDP did not die. After then, I read an article sometime around 2017 which was about PDP and its many crises in Oyo State. Despite the crises, we won election in Oyo State under PDP,” he said.
“We are here today to inaugurate the South-West Executive for the PDP. How much of an institution do you still want? They may sponsor so many people against the party but don’t be discouraged, PDP is the only party in Nigeria with very strong institutions. Have you heard about APC holding South-West congress? After this speech of mine, mark it, they will quickly go and do South West Congress.
“This is a party that only held NEC meeting once since the advent of this current administration. PDP’s NEC meeting, I believe the next one we are having is the 300th NEC meeting. So, PDP is the only party in Nigeria with very strong institutions.
“As leaders, we are committed to even further strengthen the institutions within the PDP. So, hold on to your party and I will repeat again that 2027 would not be APC versus PDP but APC versus the people that are hungry in Nigeria.”
Support for Zonal Leadership
Seyi Makinde reiterated his backing for the new South West zonal executive and promised resources and cooperation.
“My brother, the Executive Governor of Osun State, has already mentioned that the two of us will support our zonal Exco so that you can deliver. I am just reaffirming that. We will support this Exco to deliver on its mandate.
Also speaking at the event, Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, called the emergence of the new leadership “a good omen for the South West” and encouraged them to “build inclusive party structures, embark on peace-building efforts, and unite aggrieved members.
