The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the South-West geopolitical zone remains united and unfazed by recent discussions of a new political coalition, according to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde.
Speaking to journalists on Friday after a meeting of the South-West PDP Caucus, Governor Makinde asserted that the PDP, as an established institution, cannot be genuinely threatened by such movements.
“We want the whole world to know that the PDP in the South-West is united and we are together and that the coalition is not a threat to the PDP,” Governor Makinde stated.
He questioned the track records and motivations of those forming the new alliance.
“Who are these people in this coalition? They were in some parties before, whether the PDP or the APC. What are their antecedents? Does it mean that anytime they move from one party to the other, they have repented, or do they have something new to offer the people? These are salient questions.”
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Makinde emphasised the leadership’s commitment to resolving internal challenges rather than abandoning the party.
“This Soji Adagunodo House is for the PDP South-West. If the roof is leaking, as leaders of PDP in the South-West, are we going to abandon the building and go somewhere else to take refuge? No. We will stay inside here and fix it to let the people know that we are responsible leaders and that we have the interest of the people at heart.”
He added that the PDP possesses its own mechanisms for addressing internal issues and will emerge stronger as Nigeria’s sole credible political alternative.
Earlier, the South-West PDP Caucus meeting, which included Osun State Governor Nurudeen Adeleke (represented by his deputy, Kola Adewusi), former Osun Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola, and other prominent leaders, issued a communiqué.
The communiqué explicitly distanced the zonal leadership from the emerging coalition, reaffirming their loyalty to the PDP and their dedication to the party’s unity, stability, progress, and success at all levels nationwide.
The caucus expressed support for the party’s National Working Committee (NWC)’s stance that the PDP remains open to collaborating with other ‘like-minded citizens desirous of rescuing Nigeria from the stranglehold of the All Progressives Congress (APC).’
The communiqué also commended Governors Makinde and Adeleke for their tireless efforts in ensuring the stability and growth of the PDP in the South-West.
He noted that the “PDP in South-West is intact” and urged party organs to remain focused on the upcoming National Convention to further strengthen the party.
Looking ahead, the caucus resolved to intensify efforts to secure victories in upcoming by-elections in Oyo and Ogun states, as well as the local government council election in Lagos State, expressing confidence in a “sweeping victory.”
In a significant demand, the caucus called on the Federal Government to immediately release the withheld Osun State Local Government allocation.
They condemned the withholding of funds as “unconstitutional, unwarranted, and a violation of the rights and well-being of the people of Osun State.”
Reports indicate the funds have been withheld due to a dispute over the control of local councils following recent elections, with the APC appealing to the federal government to withhold the funds.
The caucus also voiced grave concern over the “worsening insecurity and economic hardship” under the current APC administration.
They reiterated Makinde’s declaration that the 2027 election would be a contest between Nigerians and the APC, predicting a triumph for Nigerians under the PDP banner.
The communiqué concluded by commending Makinde and Adeleke for their people-oriented leadership in fostering peace, stability, security, and infrastructural development in the South-West, and urged Nigerians to remain resolute and continue to rally behind the PDP in its bid to “rescue our nation from the misrule of the APC.”
