Makinde: PDP Will Reclaim Presidency, Continue to Rule Oyo Beyond 2027 Elections

Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan

Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, yesterday, declared that Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) would remain in office beyond 2027 in the state, while it would also reclaim the presidency and win massively in the next general election. Makinde stated this at the Oyo State PDP State Congress, citing the party’s respect for internal democracy and the amicable conduct of its congresses as a pointer to its strength.

While addressing party faithful at the Basket Ball Area of the Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba, Ibadan, venue of the state congress, Makinde commended the rancour-free congresses and stated that the process would ensure the party’s retention of power beyond 2027 in Oyo State.

The congresses were attended by the PDP ward and local government executives, ad-hoc delegates and stakeholders of the party from the 33 local government areas of the state.

Makinde tasked the new state executive members to work hard towards ensuring the victory of PDP in all elections, from local to the national levels.

The governor told party members in the state, who were yet to be compensated, that they had not been forgotten by the government.

Makinde stated, “I want to congratulate all of us in advance because I believe, in this party, we won’t all labour in vain. We will all reap the fruits of our labour in this government.

“Let me assure us once again that those who are yet to get something from this government will be reached soon. This exercise is to ensure that the PDP continues to remain in power in Oyo State beyond 2027.

“So, the executives that will emerge from this exercise; your mandate is clear — deliver PDP from the Presidential to the Councillorship position in 2027.”

Hon. Dayo Ogungbenro was re-elected as Chairman of PDP in Oyo State, while Alhaji Wasiu Adeleke was elected Deputy State Chairman, with Oyelami Oyeyemi, Olawumi Elizabeth Toyin, and Bello Kazeem Olalekan elected PDP State Secretary, Women Leader and Youth Leader, respectively.

Chairman, Oyo State PDP Congress Electoral Panel, Senator Austin Akobundu, in his welcome address, lauded Makinde, party leaders and stakeholders for their commitment and efforts towards fostering unity in PDP.

Akobundu stressed that the congress was of great significance to the party.

He added that PDP in Oyo State, under the leadership of Makinde, had been one of the strongest chapters of the party, recording unprecedented growth and transformation through the governor’s political goodwill.

Akobundu, who urged members of the party to remain orderly, assured that PDP would return all its candidates in the 2027 general election.

In their separate goodwill messages, former Deputy Governor of Oyo State and PDP National Deputy Chairman (South), Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja; former Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Senator Monsurat Sunmonu; and Senator Gbenga Babalola described the peaceful conduct of the state congress as a demonstration of PDP’s commitment to internal democracy.

They commended Makinde for stabilising the party and prayed for a more united PDP in Oyo State and Nigeria.

In his brief remarks, former governor of Jigawa State and one of the founding fathers of PDP, Alhaji Sule Lamido, congratulated the 39 newly-elected state executive members, charging them to continue to work for the progress and development of the party.

The exercise was monitored by a team from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).