Gov. Seyi Makinde promises that the PDP will revitalise itself to bring real hope to Nigeria, urging unity ahead of the 2027 elections.

[dropcap]G[/dropcap]overnor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has reaffirmed the People’s Democratic Party’s (PDP) commitment to fixing itself, with the goal of ultimately addressing Nigeria’s challenges.

Speaking in Abuja on Thursday, Makinde addressed the inauguration of the Board of Governors and the unveiling of the Roadmap for the People’s Democratic Institute (PDI), the research arm of the PDP.

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Established in 2000, PDI aims to promote democratic values across Nigeria and Africa by offering educational programmes, training, capacity building, research, and documentation.

Governor Makinde highlighted the importance of revitalising PDI as a central part of the party’s strategy to restore hope and direction to the country.

“We will fix PDP, and then PDP will fix Nigeria. This is the foundation for real hope for the people of Nigeria,” Makinde declared.

As the country approaches the 2027 elections, he emphasised the PDP’s responsibility to offer a clear ideological foundation for the nation.

“Our country needs direction. Nigerians are looking up to the PDP to provide that foundation,” he said.

The Governor also noted that the inauguration of the new PDI Board was a key step in defining the party’s ideology.

He urged politicians and leaders to reflect on their legacies and to prioritise the nation’s needs over personal ambitions.

“I promise that I will not pollute the well I have benefited from since 1999,” Makinde added, alluding to his longstanding association with the PDP.

Makinde also used the occasion to rally PDP leaders and members for the upcoming Ondo State governorship election.

He urged the party to approach the election with unity, stressing that reconciliation was crucial if the PDP hoped to wrest power from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo.

Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, who also attended the event, emphasised the importance of building the party on solid ideas, philosophies, and policies.

“We cannot have an ambition if we don’t have a party, and we cannot have a party without a set of ideas,” Saraki stated.

He urged PDP members to focus on the party’s vision for Nigeria rather than individual ambitions for upcoming elections.

Saraki also called for a shift in focus from personal ambitions to the bigger picture of what the PDP represents, especially with the 2027 elections on the horizon.

“Let us talk about what PDP represents. These are the issues and policies that we must take into account,” he said.

The event also saw the installation of Taofeek Arapaja as the Chairman of the PDI Board of Governors. Arapaja, who is also the PDP Deputy National Chairman (South), pledged the board’s commitment to the mission and vision of PDI.

He stated that the PDI would not only be a research institute but would also become a vibrant hub for youth, women, and party members, fostering progressive thought and intellectual discourse.

In his speech, PDI Director-General, Dr. Edward Adie, acknowledged Governor Makinde’s support for revitalising the institute.

He called for continued backing in terms of funding, personnel, and resources to ensure PDI’s success in preparing future political leaders.

Adie underscored the vital role of research institutions like PDI in electoral success, stating that they provided the intellectual foundation necessary for the party to succeed at the polls.

As the PDP gears up for the 2027 elections, Governor Makinde’s call for unity, focus, and ideological clarity is expected to play a pivotal role in the party’s efforts to provide an alternative vision for Nigeria’s future.