Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde has stated that the outcome of the 2027 general elections will be determined by the plight of hungry Nigerians, rather than the recent defections of politicians to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The Oyo state Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde disclosed this statement during the formal inauguration of the newly elected Southwest Zonal executive members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) at the Soji Adagunodo House in Ibadan on Wednesday.
Speaking at the occasion, the Governor affirmed that the 2027 elections would be determined by the hardships and challenges of hungry Nigerians, not defections by the ruling class.
Makinde remarked that the party wouldn't lose sleep over defections, but rather focused on the point when economic hardship would sway people towards the ruling party.
According to him, “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 asked, Where is this party going?
“I said to those 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.
Don’t be bothered. If any governors like, let them decamp. We will stay with the people of Nigeria.
Makinde disputed the notion that PDP has focused on building strong individuals rather than strong institutions, pointing out that despite losing power in 2015, the party survived.
“I read an article sometime around 2017 which was about PDP and its many crises in Oyo State. Despite the crisis, we won the election in Oyo State under PDP.
“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."
He observed that APC's supposed strength hasn't translated to organizing a Congress in the Southwest, and he questioned the likelihood of a sudden change.
“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 strengthening 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.”
Expressing gratitude to the members for their steadfast support, Makinde said,
“This is a demonstration of your commitment to this party, it is not about positions.
“I can give you the assurance that there are still some positions coming. We are going to have the National Convention and would be asked to do one or two things. Rest assured that we will not forget you, and God will not also forget you."
In a similar tone, Senator Ademola Adeleke, his Osun state counterpart urged party members to proactively foster peace and unity across the Southwest and reconcile estranged members.
Also addressing the gathering, Engr. Kamorudeen Ajisafe, the PDP National Vice Chairman, (South West), expressed his commitment to working closely with state chairmen to reconcile the party and enhance its electoral prospects.
He charged members of the PDP to be united on common purpose and determination to build and strengthen the party, declaring that the task of winning the presidency in 2027 would be determined from the South West.
Chief Ladi Adebutu, in his congratulatory message, commended the leadership of Governors Makinde and Adeleke, noting that their guidance ensured a peaceful and successful elections.
He called on party members to rally together, promising that the party would deliver leadership that would ensure the South West receive its rightful share
0 Comments