Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has called on members of the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) not to despair over the defections within the party, saying the party will overcome its challenges and produce leaders that will rescue the country.
The governor, who said he was not worried about the governors and other stakeholders leaving the party, noted that at times it may appear that it’s getting worse.
‘But usually, when you want something that will endure, it will usually get worse before it gets better. Since 1999, PDP has always been a constant factor, either as a ruling party or the main opposition party since 2015’.
‘Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the PDP has been hit with a wave of defections, with Governors and prominent leaders leaving the party.
Enugu State governor, Peter Mbah, and his Bayelsa State counterpart, Douye Diri, are poised to dump the PDP for the ruling All Progressives Congress, (APC).
The Presidential candidate of the party in the last election, Atiku Abubakar, and his running mate Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, have also left the party.
But speaking on Monday, during the inauguration of the PDP National Convention Transportation Sub-committee in Abuja, Makinde said although the party is currently facing some issues, the experience will push the party for future electoral victories.
Makinde, who is the Chairman of the sub-committee, charged members to remain united, and focused on the goal of rebuilding the party for success.
Speaking on defections Makinde said, ‘We are all from every corner of this country. We have members from the Northwest, from the North-Central, from the North-East, from the South-West, from the South-South, and from the South-East.
‘They can go out there and say that PDP is not everywhere, but let me give you the assurance that PDP is in every ward of this country. I want to ask you, please, let us show commitment and let us show dedication. And let me digress a little bit and use this opportunity to tell our people, PDP members all over this country, that this situation may appear like it’s difficult.
‘The news out there is that people are defecting, governors are defecting. It may appear that it’s getting worse. But usually, when you want something that will endure, it will usually get worse before it gets better. So don’t even think otherwise.
‘From when the 34 wise men came together to put democracy on the map for this country, at the beginning of this Republic in 1999, PDP has always been a constant factor, either as a ruling party or the main opposition party since 2015.
‘We’re not going anywhere. So I want to encourage you, when you hear the news that certain people have defected, please, just hold your own corner for PDP. Hold your own corner for PDP. And this is the moment where new, authentic heroes are going to be made. Not only for PDP but for our country.
‘So this is not the time to despair at all. It’s not the time to engage in self-doubt. This is the time to come out boldly and be counted. The party will produce capable leaders committed to rescuing Nigeria’.
The Governor said the convention is on track, adding’, So what I will ask is, just play your part. No matter how little, no matter what assignment you have been given, do it diligently, and we will all reap the benefits’.
