PDP to Contest 2027 Elections with Consensus Policy, Says Governor Makinde
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has firmly dismissed widespread speculations that he is planning to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), providing strong assurances that the party will participate fully and actively in the upcoming 2027 general elections. Makinde made this crucial declaration during a significant stakeholders' meeting held on Monday night, which was attended by party leaders from all 33 local government areas of Oyo State.
Commitment to PDP and Electoral Participation
Governor Makinde emphatically stated that the PDP will field candidates for all elective positions in the 2027 polls, directly countering rumors of possible defections and internal uncertainties that have been circulating within the party. He reaffirmed his unwavering loyalty to the PDP, insisting that predictions about the party's potential collapse are completely unfounded and without merit.
"They want to take Oyo at all costs, but it is our responsibility to ensure we bend our rules where necessary to accommodate one another," Makinde declared during the meeting. "This is not just about 2027; it is about the future of democracy and generations to come. Nothing good comes easy. Success requires resilience and collective effort. Can we fight through this? Yes. Can we win? Absolutely."
Consensus Policy and Party Unity Measures
During the stakeholders' gathering, party leaders resolved to adopt a strategic consensus policy for candidate selection in areas operating rotational arrangements. Additionally, automatic tickets will be granted to certain categories of lawmakers as part of comprehensive efforts to maintain cohesion and strengthen unity within the party ahead of the next electoral cycle.
Emphasizing the critical need for unity, Makinde urged party leaders and stakeholders to close ranks and adopt consensus-building approaches in resolving internal differences. He specifically directed leaders across various zones to initiate immediate consultations to foster greater cohesion and ensure the party presents a common, unified front.
Reactions from Other Political Figures
Meanwhile, former Deputy National Chairman of the PDP, Bode George, has dismissed calls by some party stakeholders for reconciliation with the faction loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, as a condition for the party's participation in the 2027 general elections.
In a related development, Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu has dismissed speculations that the All Progressives Congress (APC) has adopted a consensus gubernatorial candidate for Oyo State ahead of the 2027 elections. Adelabu, who is himself a governorship aspirant in Oyo State, maintained through his Special Adviser on Strategic Communication and Media Relations, Bolaji Tunji, that no such decision has been taken by the party.
"At a time like this, especially when the contest is drawing closer, there will be speculation. That is normal in politics. My principal has not withdrawn from the race. People will always try to push narratives to gain relevance or create confusion," Tunji stated.
Adelabu's position comes in response to reports suggesting that party leaders had settled for preferred candidates in Oyo, Lagos, and Ogun states as part of early preparations for the next general elections.
The governor's declaration is widely seen as a strategic move to dispel persistent rumors suggesting that elements within the PDP leadership in Oyo State were considering defection to another political platform ahead of the 2027 polls. According to sources present at the meeting, Makinde's reassurances have provided much-needed stability and direction for party members as they prepare for the challenging electoral contest ahead.
