Defection: Even If They All Leave, I’ll Stay in PDP – Makinde 

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has reaffirmed his loyalty to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), declaring that he would not be swayed by emerging coalitions seeking to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 elections.

Makinde made this bold declaration on Friday at the Southwest PDP caucus meeting, held at the Olusoji Adagunodo Southwest Zonal Secretariat in Ibadan, where party leaders gathered to address key issues affecting the zone.

Speaking at the meeting, Makinde insisted that no coalition could threaten the unity or dominance of the PDP in the Southwest.

“We want the whole world to know that PDP in the Southwest is united; we are together. Coalition is not a threat to the PDP. Who are these people in this coalition? They have been in some parties before, whether PDP or APC. What are their anticedents?” he questioned.

He further added:

“And does it mean that every time they move from one party to the other, they have repented or they have changed or they have something new to offer the people? Those are salient questions.”

Makinde dismissed the idea of defecting from the PDP due to internal issues, using a building analogy to emphasize loyalty and commitment.

“This building here is PDP’s Southwest building. If the roof is leaking, as leaders of PDP in the Southwest, are we going to abandon the building and go somewhere else to take refuge? We will stay inside there and fix it and let the people know we are responsible leaders and we have the interest of the people at heart.”

He also criticized the Federal Government over the continued withholding of local government funds in Osun State, calling it unconstitutional and harmful to the people.

“The withholding of the Osun State Local Government Allocation by the Federal Government is unconstitutional, unwarranted and a violation of the rights and well-being of the people of Osun State,” a communique from the meeting read.

Also speaking at the event, the Deputy Governor of Osun State, Kola Adewusi, who represented Governor Ademola Adeleke, reaffirmed Adeleke’s total allegiance to the PDP and dismissed any rumors linking him to political coalitions.

“Governor Adeleke is part and parcel of the PDP family. He is not involved in any coalition arrangement,” Adewusi stated.

In a communique read by the Southwest PDP Zonal Publicity Secretary, Chief Sanya Atofarati, the party praised the contributions of Governors Makinde and Adeleke for sustaining the party’s structure and influence in the zone.

“We commend and appreciate the Executive Governor of Oyo State, His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde, and the Executive Governor of Osun State, His Excellency, Senator Ademola Adeleke, for their untiring roles in ensuring the stability and growth of the PDP as the prominent political party in the South West.”

The party also distanced itself from any coalition arrangements, urging members to remain focused on rebuilding the PDP.

“We are not part of the reported coalition and urge all members of the PDP to remain united,” the communique emphasized.

While rejecting any threat to its structure, the PDP expressed readiness to work with like-minded Nigerians in the interest of rescuing the country from APC’s alleged misrule.

“Our Party remains open to working with other well-meaning like-minded citizens in the collective effort to rescue our nation from the stranglehold of the All Progressives Congress (APC).”

The Southwest PDP also outlined plans to ensure victory in upcoming bye-elections in Oyo and Ogun States, as well as local government elections in Lagos.

“We are confident that the PDP as a Party of choice in the South West and Nigeria at large will record sweeping victory in the coming elections.”

The communique ended with a rallying call to Nigerians to stay hopeful and rally around the PDP in the face of growing economic hardship and insecurity under the APC-led government.

“We urge Nigerians not to lose hope but remain resolute and continue to rally with the PDP as our Party leads the charge to rescue our nation from the misrule of the APC,” it concluded.

VANGUARD