Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has reiterated his unwavering loyalty to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), firmly rejecting any notion that emerging political coalitions could threaten the party’s standing ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He declared that no matter the alliances being formed to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), he remains steadfast in his commitment to the PDP.
Speaking during the Southwest PDP Caucus meeting held on Friday at the party’s Zonal Secretariat in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, Governor Makinde emphasized the need for solidarity and resilience within the party. He assured party stakeholders and supporters that the PDP in the Southwest remains united and is prepared to face any political challenge head-on.
Addressing concerns about recent coalition movements by some political actors, Makinde dismissed their significance, questioning their credibility and motivations.
“Who are these people forming a coalition? Most of them have jumped from one party to another — from PDP to APC and back again. Have they truly changed? Have they repented? What new ideas are they bringing to the table?” he asked rhetorically.
Makinde drew a metaphor to describe his loyalty to the party, saying, “This building we are gathered in belongs to the PDP in the Southwest. If the roof begins to leak, do we abandon the building and run to another shelter? No. We stay, we repair it, and we make it stronger. That’s what responsible leadership is about — standing firm and putting the people first.”
A major highlight of the caucus meeting was the urgent call for the federal government to release the constitutionally allocated funds for local governments in Osun State.
The governor condemned the continued withholding of the funds, describing it as unconstitutional and damaging to the socio-economic welfare of the people of Osun.
“This act of withholding local government allocations undermines the federal structure and the principles of democracy. It is a direct affront to the people of Osun State and a serious threat to grassroots development,” Makinde asserted.
He concluded by reaffirming the collective resolve of the Southwest PDP leadership, saying, “We renew our commitment to the unity, stability, and progress of our great party, not only in this region but across Nigeria. Our loyalty to the PDP is unwavering, and we will continue to defend its values and vision.”
The Southwest PDP caucus meeting served as a strategic gathering to address internal party matters and respond to external political dynamics, with leaders expressing a renewed sense of purpose and unity going into the critical years ahead of the 2027 polls.