Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has declared that the 2027 general election will represent a face-off between the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Nigerian people, rather than a conventional political contest between APC and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
Makinde made this statement on Saturday during the commissioning of the Late Olusoji Adagunodo Zonal Secretariat of the PDP in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
He emphasized that his own political future and agenda would be determined solely by himself.
Present at the event were several notable figures, including Umar Damagum, the Acting National Chairman of the PDP; Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State; former Governors Samuel Ortom of Benue State and Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State; members of the National Working Committee of the party; and other leaders from across the country’s six geopolitical zones.
Makinde urged party leaders to focus on unity, noting, “People have been complaining; they have been talking; they have been making a lot of speculations. Let me say this again, and I will say it myself: nobody will set an agenda for me apart from myself.”
Addressing concerns about external interference in the PDP’s efforts to form a solid opposition for 2027, he said, “Whether Governor Adeleke and I will cooperate for the growth and benefit of our party in the South-West is beyond the ruling party. It is between me and Governor Adeleke. So please, let us work together and unite our base; that is all we need to do.”
He continued, “The next election will be APC versus Nigerians. It is not even about APC versus PDP. So, let us do our bit to unite our party and our base, and let the people of Nigeria speak.”
In response, Governor Adeleke of Osun State stressed the importance of overcoming past divisions and focusing on unity.
He stated, “We must forget the past divisions and unite for the good of our dear party. It is better for us to resolve conflicts inside Government House than outside. We must refocus on building strong administrative and operational structures.”
Umar Damagum, the PDP Acting National Chairman, praised the late Adagunodo, describing him as a “kind and down-to-earth man” whose efforts had contributed to the PDP’s success.
He emphasized that unity within the PDP could enable the party to reclaim the South-West and beyond.
