The Southwest leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party in Nigeria has expressed strong appreciation to the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, for what it described as a timely and decisive intervention that helped safeguard the party during one of its most challenging internal political phases.
In a detailed statement issued in Ado Ekiti, the capital of Ekiti State in the southwestern region of Nigeria, the Zonal Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, Chief Sanya Atofarati, explained that Governor Seyi Makinde played a central role in preventing aggressive political actors from taking control of the party and destabilising its national structure. Okay News reports.
According to Chief Sanya Atofarati, the successful conduct of the most recent National Convention of the Peoples Democratic Party restored confidence among Nigerians who have consistently asked for stronger democratic leadership. He stated, “The successful conduct of the Peoples Democratic Party National Convention has restored the confidence of Nigerians who have long yearned for genuine democratic leadership.”
The Southwest leadership of the party also congratulated the newly elected national officers who emerged during the convention held in Ibadan, the capital city of Oyo State in southwestern Nigeria. Chief Atofarati explained that the emergence of new officials at the national level will enable the Peoples Democratic Party to begin preparations for the 2027 general elections without unnecessary internal distractions. He said, “With the election of these eminent leaders into the National Executive Committee, the Peoples Democratic Party can now focus without unnecessary distractions and begin galvanising support ahead of the 2027 general elections.”
Chief Atofarati further praised Governor Seyi Makinde for displaying what he described as courageous and exemplary leadership in protecting the party’s unity at a time when internal disagreements threatened to cause significant damage. He added, “Governor Seyi Makinde has once again demonstrated exemplary leadership and must be commended for saving the party from total collapse. He can best be described as the biblical Moses of the Peoples Democratic Party, whose collaborative efforts with other well-meaning leaders have given the party a new lease of life.”
The Peoples Democratic Party’s Southwest zone reaffirmed its confidence in the capacity of the newly elected National Executive Committee members to provide disciplined and committed leadership that aligns with the core principles of the organisation. “While we congratulate all newly elected members of the National Executive Committee, we have unwavering confidence in their capacity to provide credible leadership that will entrench discipline and commitment to the ideals of the party,” he said.
The statement also commended the government and people of Oyo State for ensuring that the convention was peaceful. The gathering produced former Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs in Nigeria, Kabiru Turaki, as the new National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, following his endorsement by key political stakeholders from the North-West geopolitical zone.
At the Ibadan convention, several governors under the Peoples Democratic Party attended, including Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State in northern Nigeria, Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State in northeastern Nigeria, Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State in northwestern Nigeria, and Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State in north-central Nigeria.
The Peoples Democratic Party had earlier zoned its 2027 presidential ticket to the southern part of Nigeria and reserved the national chairmanship slot for northern Nigeria in alignment with its long-standing rotation principle. The internal disagreements between Governor Seyi Makinde and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, had earlier led to legal disputes regarding whether the convention would take place, but the event eventually held successfully.
