2027: We’ll Follow Makinde To Any Party He Decides To Join – Oyo PDP

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State, on Tuesday, said it would accompany Governor Seyi Makinde to any political party he decides to defect to ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The party stated this against the backdrop of an invitation by the chairman of the state chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Alhaji Yinka Olona, to Makinde to join his party.

The PDP has been engrossed in an extensive leadership tussle. Makinde, however, has in the face of the tussle become a main support to the Kabiru Tanimu Turaki-led-PDP which is opposed by the National Caretaker Committee led by Abdulrahman Mohammed, which enjoys the support of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) minister Nyesom Wike.

But speaking with LEADERSHIP in Ibadan, the PDP chairman in Oyo State, Hon. Dayo Ogungbenro, said members of his party are “Completely loyal to Makinde,” adding “Wherever he goes, we pray God to guide him right.

“He is my leader and leader of the party in the state. How can we have a parallel party with him? God will guide him wherever he goes. PDP is one in the state, we are ready to follow him wherever he goes,” the state PDP chairman said.

Earlier, Olona, while speaking with newsmen at an ADC event in Oyo Central Senatorial District, said Governor Makinde is free to join the party if he is willing to abide by its rules and internal democratic processes.

He stressed that the party’s doors remain open to all interested political actors who share the same vision and ideology with the political party.

“The ADC has internal mechanisms and strong internal democracy. Nobody can just come in and hijack the party. Everything must be done according to laid-down procedures,” Olona said.

He dismissed claims of any formal discussion between the party leadership in the state and the governor, saying, “As far as I’m concerned, we have not had any discussion. Maybe he has been speaking with some other individuals; I wouldn’t know. But if he wants to come, he is free to come.”

He declared that the 2027 general elections would be a contest between Nigerians and the old political order.

He explained that ADC emerged as a coalition to rescue Nigerians from the hardship brought by PDP and All Progressives Congress (APC) misrule.

He described ADC as a coalition platform formed in response to the hardship faced by Nigerians, noting that prominent national political figures had aligned with the movement.

“The aim is to rescue Nigerians from the untold hardship they are currently experiencing and to reposition the country to where it is supposed to be. It is not only about winning future elections but about restoring Nigeria’s lost glory,” he said.

Olona highlighted the difference between ADC and other parties, saying, “ADC is a truly democratic party. It provides a level playing field for everyone. No matter who you are, whether rich or poor, famous or unknown, you are given equal opportunity to present what you have to offer the people. It is not about money or power. The party does not impose candidates.”