By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has clarified that all Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidates in the state will remain within the party for now, but warned that moving them to an alternative political platform remains a last option if the party’s internal crisis threatens their participation in the 2027 general elections.
Makinde made this known on Monday during a strategic meeting with leaders and stakeholders of the PDP held at the State Government Secretariat in Ibadan, where he also unveiled key political decisions aimed at strengthening party unity and ensuring electoral preparedness.
The governor said his address focused on five critical issues concerning the future of the party both in Oyo State and Nigeria.
PVC revalidation crucial
Makinde urged party members to take seriously the forthcoming voter registration revalidation exercise scheduled between April 13 and May 30, stressing that it could determine the party’s electoral strength.
According to him, PDP members must mobilise massively to ensure their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) remain valid.
“It is very important for all our members to ensure their voters’ cards are revalidated. We must not take this for granted,” Makinde said.
Internal challenges and political battle
Addressing internal disagreements within the party, the governor described the situation as both a “battle” and a “war,” noting that while competition among aspirants was expected, the greater challenge was preserving the party’s future.
“The battle is among aspirants who want to contest and the concerns about whether PDP will be on the ballot. But the war is about the survival of our party and democracy itself,” he said.
Makinde reassured members that the PDP would remain a major political force despite current challenges.
“2019 came and went. 2023 came and went. 2027 will also come and go. PDP will not die and PDP will never die. As long as democracy exists in Nigeria, PDP will continue to exist,” he declared.
PDP must remain on the ballot
The governor stressed that the PDP must remain a viable electoral option, citing its historical role in Nigeria’s democratic development.
“Since the beginning of the Fourth Republic, it has mainly been PDP and APC that have governed Nigeria. It would be surprising to the international community if a founding democratic party is not on the ballot,” he said.
The Merit Newspaper reports that Makinde also insisted that decisions reached at the party’s November 15 convention in Ibadan must be respected.
51 elective positions identified
Makinde disclosed that the party is preparing to field candidates for 51 elective positions across Oyo State.
The positions include:
3 Senate seats
14 House of Representatives seats
33 State House of Assembly seats
1 Governorship seat
Total: 51 positions
He explained that consensus arrangements would be adopted to select candidates in order to reduce internal conflicts and strengthen party unity.
“All the 51 candidates will emerge through consensus across the various constituencies. Unity remains our greatest strength,” he said.
Automatic tickets for some lawmakers
As part of efforts to maintain stability within the party, Makinde said serving National Assembly members may be considered for return tickets, while first-term members of the State House of Assembly would also be given opportunities to seek re-election.
He added that some ranking lawmakers may also return, while certain party leaders at the local government level would retain their positions to ensure continuity and stability.
Timelines for candidate emergence
The governor also announced timelines for the party’s internal processes, noting that consensus candidates are expected to emerge by April 8, while validation processes would be completed by April 15.
He added that by April 20, all 51 candidates would receive full party backing.
“Before April 20, all our 51 candidates who emerge through consensus will receive the full support of the PDP and by the grace of God, they will win in 2027,” he said.
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No defection from PDP
Makinde dismissed rumours of possible defections, assuring members that the party remains united despite challenges.
“Nobody is leaving PDP,” he said firmly.
Call for prayers and commitment
The governor urged members to remain committed to the party and continue to pray for the survival of democracy in Nigeria.
“This battle is not just about the 2027 election. It is about the future of democracy and the future of our children,” he said.
“All members must continue to pray for the survival of PDP, democracy and our dear nation, Nigeria.”
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Political observers say the meeting signals early political realignments within the Oyo PDP as parties begin quiet preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections, especially amid ongoing national-level disputes within the party.
Oyo PDP Leaders Meet in Ibadan as Seyi Makinde Convenes Stakeholders for Strategic Dialogue
