See What Makinde, Saraki Urge PDP Leaders to Do Ahead of 2027 Elections
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, and former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, have called on top members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to set aside personal ambitions and unite in the lead-up to the 2027 elections. Speaking at the inauguration of the Board of Governors and the launch of the road map for the Peoples Democratic Institute (PDI) at the party’s headquarters in Abuja, both leaders urged party members not to allow individual presidential aspirations to fracture the party.
Their plea comes at a time when the PDP is grappling with internal divisions, with prominent figures like former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, and Governor Makinde himself reportedly eyeing the presidency. These ambitions have raised concerns that the party could face further disarray, undermining the efforts of the Olagunsoye Oyinlola-led reconciliation committee.
In recent months, the party has been split into factions, particularly between supporters of Atiku and those loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. Mohammed’s declaration of interest in the 2027 presidential race has further fueled tensions.
Addressing the gathering, Saraki lamented the state of the PDP, once the party of choice for many Nigerians, but now at risk of being consumed by individual ambitions. He reminded members that the party was founded on principles, policies, and ideas, not personal gain.
“The PDP was built on a vision and ideology. We must not allow it to be reduced to a platform for individual ambition. Without the party, there can be no ambition. It’s time we focus on what the PDP stands for and the policies we should pursue,” Saraki said. “Let’s shift the conversation from who is running for what position to discussing the issues that matter to Nigerians.”
Saraki emphasized that the PDI, a think-tank aimed at providing intellectual and strategic direction for the party, was an important step towards rebuilding the PDP into a more serious and forward-thinking political entity. He pointed out that many established political parties in Europe have such institutions, and Nigeria’s PDP should no longer be an exception.
Makinde, echoing Saraki’s sentiments, encouraged PDP members to reflect on their roles in the party’s future. He asked, “What do we want to be remembered for?” and stressed the importance of party unity in restoring its fortunes. He acknowledged his personal journey within the PDP, having been elected twice under its banner since 2019, and promised to leave the party in good shape when his time in office ends.
Makinde also reminded the party that since the 2015 general elections, the political landscape had worsened, and as the 2027 elections approach, the PDP must offer Nigerians a clear ideological foundation and real hope for the future.
“We need to unite and move forward as one party. Only together can we achieve our goal of winning in Ondo State and beyond,” Makinde stated. “We are the most popular party, and with a united front, we can defeat the ruling APC.”
Makinde also expressed optimism about the PDP’s prospects in Ondo, where the party is fielding Agboola Ajayi as its gubernatorial candidate. However, he warned that victory in the state could only be secured if the party worked together, resisting any efforts to undermine the will of the people.
Finally, Makinde emphasized the importance of youth participation in the political process, a cause he believes the PDI will help promote. “The PDP has always been a platform for youth engagement, and the PDI will expand this space,” he said.
In closing, both leaders reiterated the PDP’s commitment to revitalizing Nigeria’s governance system. “The renewal of the PDP is a pledge to start planning for a new Nigeria, and together, we will fix both our party and the country,” they concluded.
