PDP strong and ready as Governor Seyi Makinde insists the opposition party will shock critics ahead of the 2027 elections

The Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, has declared that the Peoples Democratic Party remains formidable and fully prepared for the 2027 general elections, dismissing claims that the party has lost relevance.

Also read: Makinde dismisses defection rumours, affirms PDP loyalty

Makinde made the assertion on Friday while speaking at the Southwest PDP Stakeholders’ Meeting held in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.

Addressing party leaders and supporters, the governor said the PDP was very much alive and ready to surprise its critics.

According to Makinde, the large turnout at the meeting and the influx of new members clearly showed that the narrative of a collapsed opposition party was false.

He said the PDP strong and ready message was evident in the unity and renewed energy displayed across the region.

“I can assure you that the PDP is well and alive. Whoever thinks otherwise will be surprised beyond their imagination,” Makinde told the gathering.

The meeting drew prominent PDP leaders and office holders from Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Ondo, Osun and Ekiti States.

Among those present were the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Debo Ogundoyin, PDP members of the House of Representatives from Oyo State, former Osun State Governor Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, National Secretary of the party Taofeek Arapaja and Southwest PDP Chairman Kamorudeen Ajisafe.

Former Ogun State governorship candidate, Ladi Adebutu, was also in attendance, as two groups of defectors from the All Progressives Congress and the New Nigeria Peoples Party were formally received into the PDP.

Makinde urged party members to remain united and committed at the grassroots, stressing that strong community structures would be crucial to future electoral success.

He said holding wards and local governments firmly would position the party for victory.

The governor further encouraged loyalty and consistency, expressing confidence that the PDP strong and ready posture would translate into electoral gains in 2027.

Welcoming party leaders, Adebutu said the PDP had once again proven its critics wrong. He insisted that the party remained united and structurally sound from the ward level to the national leadership.

Makinde recently reaffirmed his loyalty to the PDP amid speculation fueled by high profile defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress.

Speaking after a closed door meeting with President Bola Tinubu in Abuja, the governor said he was comfortable in the PDP and had no intention of leaving.

He explained that his visit to the President focused strictly on governance and national issues, not party politics.