Governor of Oyo State, ‘Seyi Makinde, has assured Nigerians that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) remains a viable and united political platform, committed to presenting a credible alternative to the ruling party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Makinde gave the assurance in Lagos on Thursday, while addressing journalists at the end of the PDP Southern Consultative Summit, which preceded the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for Monday, August 25, 2025.
The summit brought together leading voices of the PDP from across Southern Nigeria, including members of the Board of Trustees, sitting governors, National Assembly members, and former governors.
Makinde dismissed insinuations that the PDP had lost relevance, insisting that with renewed unity and hard work, the party would reclaim its position as Nigeria’s ruling party. He cited the outcome of recent by-elections in which the PDP either won or finished second in most constituencies, describing the results as proof that the party remained a force to reckon with.
> “The PDP is not dead. If we put in the hard work, Nigerians will not only listen to us, they will support us to bring about a better Nigeria,” Makinde declared.
The governor explained that the Southern Consultative Summit was designed to promote inclusiveness and strengthen internal cohesion within the party. He stressed that discussions around zoning and micro-zoning of party positions had begun but emphasized that the immediate focus was on rebuilding the PDP and not prematurely debating presidential candidates.
“NEC is on Monday. Today is Thursday. We will definitely have a decision,” he said. “But before we talk about presidential candidates, we must first have a united and virile party that Nigerians will believe in.”
Makinde further stated that the calibre of leaders at the summit—ranging from sitting governors to former Senate presidents and ex-governors—was evidence of the PDP’s commitment to reclaiming power. He described the process as one of continuous consultation and engagement with stakeholders across all tendencies within the party.
On the need for maturity in resolving internal disagreements, Makinde noted:
> “Personally, when people go low or into the gutters, I don’t go with them. We will reach out to them. Democracy is about inclusivity, not personal battles. Nigerians are watching, and what matters is what we offer them as a party.”
The meeting was attended by the Chairman of PDP’s BoT, Senator Adolphus Wabara; Chairman of the party’s National Zoning Committee and Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Duoye Diri; Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun; Governor Peter Mba of Enugu, represented by his deputy, Ifeanyi Ossai; former governors Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Udom Emmanuel, and Sam Egwu; as well as Chief Bode George, among other prominent leaders.
The Southern PDP leaders agreed that wider consultations would continue in the coming days ahead of the NEC meeting, with a view to taking far-reaching decisions that would reposition the party as a credible platform for Nigerians.
