Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has firmly reiterated that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) remains very much alive, contrary to claims suggesting its decline. Speaking on Thursday after the PDP Southwest Zoning Consultative Summit in Lagos, Makinde stressed that despite internal challenges, the party continues to hold its ground as a formidable political force in Nigeria. According to him, with consistent hard work and unity, the PDP stands a real chance of reclaiming political power at the national level. Makinde cautioned that he would not engage in political mudslinging, noting that he will not lower himself to the level of those who thrive on divisive or derogatory tactics. He emphasized that political disagreements are natural in a democracy, but they should not be personalized or destructive. “Personally, when people go low or choose to go into the gutters, I do not follow them there. Some people are currently descending into the gutters, but we will still reach out to them,” the governor stated. He further explained that although he may have differences with individuals within the party, such disagreements should not be mistaken for hostility. Highlighting PDP’s resilience, Makinde pointed out that during recent elections across several states, the results showed that the party remains relevant and competitive. “In all our states, the events of last Saturday proved that PDP is not dead. In most of the 12 states where elections were conducted, PDP came second. That is a clear indication that if we keep working hard, we can regain the confidence of Nigerians,” he said. Governor Makinde also stressed the importance of first building a strong and united PDP before discussions about presidential candidates for 2027 can even begin. He concluded by assuring party members and Nigerians at large that current efforts are focused on rebuilding and strengthening PDP into a political platform that citizens can trust, be proud of, and rally behind once again.
