Seyi Makinde PDP Loyalty Message sees Oyo governor reject defection rumours and reaffirm commitment to PDP ahead of 2027 elections
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has dismissed speculation suggesting he may defect from the Peoples Democratic Party Peoples Democratic Party, reaffirming his loyalty to the party and declaring confidence in its strength ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Also read: Bala Mohammed, Seyi Makinde Set to Quit PDP Amid Defections
The Seyi Makinde PDP Loyalty Message was delivered on Monday during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Local Government House Secretariat in Ibadan, where the governor addressed party leaders drawn from all 33 local government areas of the state.
Seyi Makinde said the PDP remains firmly positioned to contest and win the 2027 elections, insisting that claims of the party’s decline were unfounded and misleading.
“Those saying PDP will die are mistaken. What is certain is that PDP will be on the ballot in 2027, and we will produce candidates for all elective positions from the state to the national level,” Seyi Makinde said.
The governor’s remarks come days after his appearance at a political meeting in Kano hosted by New Nigeria Peoples Party leader Rabiu Kwankwaso, which also featured former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi and former Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson, sparking fresh speculation about possible realignments.
However, Seyi Makinde moved to calm tensions within the PDP in Oyo State, urging leaders to close ranks and resolve internal disagreements ahead of the upcoming electoral cycle.
He stressed the importance of unity, saying political actors seeking control of the state would be resisted through strategic organisation and internal cohesion.
“They want to take Oyo State at all costs, but it is our responsibility to ensure we bend our rules where necessary to accommodate one another,” Seyi Makinde said.
As part of preparations for 2027, the governor directed party leaders across various zones to hold meetings aimed at strengthening consensus and improving coordination within the party structure.
Seyi Makinde also announced automatic tickets for members of the National Assembly and first term members of the Oyo State House of Assembly, while noting that decisions for other returning lawmakers would be guided by existing agreements and rotational arrangements.
He described the upcoming elections as a defining moment for democracy, stressing that political success would require resilience, discipline, and collective effort.
“This battle is not just about 2027; it is about the future of democracy and future generations,” he added.
Also read: Bala Mohammed, Seyi Makinde Set to Quit PDP Amid Defections
The governor reiterated that all aspirants in Oyo State would contest under the PDP platform, signalling a consensus-driven approach aimed at strengthening the party’s electoral chances.
