Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has insisted that the Peoples Democratic Party elective congress conducted in the state in November last year remains valid and will stand “no matter what”, reaffirming his administration’s determination to keep the party focused ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Makinde made the declaration on Monday evening during a strategic stakeholders’ meeting held at the Oyo State Local Government Service Commission in Ibadan, which brought together cabinet members, political appointees, party chieftains, and loyalists to assess the PDP’s direction amid growing internal tensions and Nigeria’s shifting political landscape.
The meeting took place against the backdrop of escalating crises within the PDP, largely driven by legal disputes and leadership struggles tied to the party’s national convention held in Ibadan in November 2025.
Different factions within the party have continued to clash over the legitimacy of the convention and the emergence of the Dr Taminu Turaki-led National Working Committee, with court rulings and counter-rulings further deepening the confusion surrounding the party’s leadership structure.
Tensions were also heightened by rival blocs within the party, including supporters of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, alongside allegations of disregard for judicial pronouncements, issues that have triggered multiple lawsuits challenging the legitimacy of the current national leadership.
Despite the turbulence, Makinde maintained that the PDP in Oyo State remains united and purposeful, stressing that securing the party’s place on the ballot in 2027 is “sacrosanct” and a non-negotiable priority.
He further described the current situation within the party as being shaped by “two extremes”, which he referred to as a “war” and a “battle”.
According to him, the “war” involves aspirants jostling for elective positions in the 2027 elections, while the “battle” concerns ensuring that the party and its candidates are ultimately placed on the ballot.
Addressing speculation about possible defections, the governor reaffirmed his loyalty to the party, saying, “We’re comfortable in our PDP,” while dismissing rumours of him leaving the PDP for another political platform.
He also revealed that the party would rely on a consensus arrangement in picking its candidates for the 2027 elections, explaining that the approach would help reduce friction and strengthen internal cohesion.
Makinde added that all first-term lawmakers in both the National Assembly and the Oyo State House of Assembly would be returned unopposed, as part of a strategy to reward loyalty and promote stability within the party structure.
Speaking on the outcome of the closed-door engagement, Makinde said discussions centred on the state of the PDP nationally and in Oyo State, as well as efforts to navigate its internal disagreements.
“Anyway, it’s just a meeting on our party that brought everybody together for us to evaluate the political situation in the country and also Oyo State in particular.“
“And also with all the crises within PDP, you know, what do we need to do? How do we proceed? And also the issue of our candidate, you know.”
He emphasised the importance of unity across all party structures and urged stakeholders to return to their respective local government, state, and federal constituencies to consult widely.
“We believe that there must be unity within the party, and they were advised to go back to their local governments and constituencies. And then we’ll come to the state. If our candidates can emerge by consensus, we’ll be happy.”
On the wider challenges confronting the PDP, Makinde acknowledged ongoing legal battles and leadership tensions at the national level, noting efforts by party elders to resolve the disputes.
“We have all sorts of issues. You have court cases, and then we have our leaders and elders at the national level also, you know, that are pulling together to see that we find a solution.”
Despite the difficulties, the governor expressed optimism that the party would overcome its internal struggles and remain competitive going into the 2027 elections, stressing that unity and coordinated strategy would be key to its survival and success.
