Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has pushed back against claims that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has lost relevance, asserting that the party remains vibrant and politically formidable.
Makinde said the PDP is still solid and positioned to exceed expectations as the country heads toward the 2027 general elections.
The governor made the remarks on Friday, the 23rd of January, 2026, during the Southwest PDP Stakeholders’ Meeting held in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.
The meeting brought together prominent PDP figures and elected officials from across the Southwest, including Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Ondo, Osun, and Ekiti states.
Among those present were the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Debo Ogundoyin, members of the House of Representatives from Oyo State on the PDP platform, former Osun State Governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, the party’s National Secretary, Taofeek Arapaja, Southwest PDP Chairman, Kamorudeen Ajisafe, and former Ogun State governorship candidate, Ladi Adebutu, alongside other party stakeholders.
The gathering also witnessed the formal reception of defectors from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).
In his address, Makinde said the large turnout of party faithful and the influx of new members clearly debunked assertions that the PDP is no longer viable.
“I can assure you that the PDP is well and alive.
Whoever thinks otherwise will be surprised beyond their imagination,” the governor said.
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He called on party leaders and members in the region to stay united and focused at the grassroots, stressing the need to consolidate party structures at the community, ward, and local government levels.
“So, my charge to you is, please hold your communities, hold your wards, hold your local governments, and it will be well with us,” he added.
Makinde further urged party members to remain steadfast and loyal, expressing confidence in the party’s prospects going forward.
Speaking earlier while receiving Makinde and other leaders, Ladi Adebutu said the PDP had once again disproved its critics, maintaining that the party remains cohesive.
“Let’s remain firm in the PDP. We now have structures from
the ward to the national level.
“So, we have nothing to fear,” Adebutu said.