Seyi Makinde: PDP Must Provide Hope For Nigeria's Future

Seyi Makinde, the Governor of Oyo State, has stated that millions of Nigerians are looking to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to provide solutions to the country’s challenges.

Makinde made the remarks on Thursday in Abuja during the inauguration of the PDP’s board of governors and the unveiling of the roadmap for the Peoples Democratic Institute (PDI), the party’s research arm. PDI was founded in 2000 with the goal of fostering a new democratic culture in Nigeria and Africa through education, training, capacity building, research, and documentation programs.

The governor emphasized that the party will be restructured to become a symbol of hope for Nigerians. “We will fix the PDP, and the PDP will fix Nigeria, creating a foundation of real hope for the people,” he stated.

As the 2027 elections approach, Makinde stressed the importance of the PDP providing genuine hope for the country. By revitalizing the PDI, the party is working towards offering that hope to Nigerians, he added. “Our country needs direction, and Nigerians are looking to the PDP to lay an ideological foundation,” he said.

With the board’s inauguration, Makinde believes the PDP is taking a significant step toward defining its core ideology. He also reiterated his commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy through the PDP, acknowledging the party’s role in his success. “Since 2019, I’ve benefited from the PDP, and I’m thankful for the opportunity to serve with two consecutive mandates under this umbrella,” he remarked. “I promise that I will not taint the well that has nourished me since 1999 when I leave office.”

Former Senate President Bukola Saraki also spoke, advising PDP members to focus on the party’s collective vision rather than personal ambitions. “We cannot have an ambition without a party, and we cannot have a party without ideas,” Saraki explained. He urged the party to prioritize discussions about its identity and policies, rather than prematurely speculating about candidates for future elections.