Addressing the crowd, Seyi Makinde emphasized the significance of the upcoming election, noting that Nigerians, rather than political parties, would shape the country’s future leadership.
Ibadan, Nigeria – Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has declared that the 2027 general election will be a contest between the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the people of Nigeria.
Speaking on Saturday at the inauguration of the newly commissioned Late Olusoji Adagunodo zonal secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ibadan, Makinde asserted that only he would determine his future political plans.
The event drew notable figures, including the PDP Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum; Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State; former Governors Samuel Ortom of Benue State and Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State; members of the party’s National Working Committee, and leaders from across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
Addressing the crowd, Makinde emphasized the significance of the upcoming election, noting that Nigerians, rather than political parties, would shape the country’s future leadership. He called on PDP leaders to strengthen internal unity and urged them to collaborate in order to “salvage the country.”
“People have been speculating about my political future, but let me be clear: no one can set my agenda but myself,” Makinde asserted. He acknowledged that the ruling APC may attempt to influence opposition dynamics, but stressed that factors within the PDP’s control – such as unity and cooperation among leaders – would ultimately determine its success.
“If the APC is accused of trying to disrupt opposition unity, we still have control over key decisions. Whether Governor Adeleke and I cooperate to advance our party’s interests in the South-West is up to us, not the ruling party,” he said. “The 2027 election will be APC versus Nigerians. It’s beyond a fight between APC and PDP. We need to consolidate our base and let the people of Nigeria make their choice.”
Governor Adeleke echoed Makinde’s call for unity, urging PDP members to set aside past differences and prioritize the party’s stability. “Let’s resolve our disputes internally rather than in public,” Adeleke said. “Our focus should be on creating a strong, effective party structure.”
Acting National Chairman Damagum also paid tribute to the late Adagunodo, describing him as a committed leader who strengthened the PDP’s foundations. Damagum expressed optimism that, with unity, the PDP could reclaim the South-West states and ultimately win at the national level.
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