The Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, has dismissed claims that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is no longer relevant, insisting that the opposition party remains strong and capable of surprising its critics ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Makinde made the statement on Friday while addressing party leaders and members at the South-West PDP Stakeholders’ Meeting held in Abeokuta, Ogun State. The meeting drew prominent PDP figures from across the six South-West states; Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Ondo, Osun and Ekiti.
Notable attendees included the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Debo Ogundoyin; PDP members of the House of Representatives from Oyo State; former Osun State Governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola; the PDP National Secretary, Senator Taofeek Arapaja; South-West PDP Chairman, Kamorudeen Ajisafe; and former Ogun State governorship candidate, Ladi Adebutu.
The event also featured the reception of defectors from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), a development that further boosted morale within the party.
Speaking at the gathering, Makinde said the large turnout and recent defections clearly disproved narratives suggesting the PDP was dead. He urged party members to remain united and committed, noting that the strength of the PDP lies in its grassroots structures.
The governor stressed the importance of consolidating the party’s presence at the community, ward and local government levels, describing this as key to future electoral success.
He further encouraged party faithful to remain loyal and optimistic, expressing confidence in the PDP’s prospects in the coming years.
In his remarks, Ladi Adebutu welcomed Makinde and other stakeholders, stating that the PDP had once again proven its critics wrong. He maintained that the party remained united, well-structured and firmly rooted from the ward level to the national level.
