Speaking during the official inauguration of the newly elected Southwest Zonal executive members of the People’s Democratic Party () at the Soji Adagunodo House in Ibadan on Wednesday, Makinde stressed that the people’s hunger, not defections, will determine the outcome of the next election cycle.
“People have been asking us as leaders of this party that a lot of people are decamping, even governors, and some others are threatening to decamp and all of that. And they asked, ‘Where is this party going?’ I said to those people that we will not be bothered until hunger has decamped to the ruling party, APC.” Makinde recounted.
He continued, “The day hunger decamps, they should come and tell us and then we will know what to do. Because there is hunger in the land, and the majority of the people that are hungry will determine what 2027 would look like.”
Makinde emphasized that the PDP remains focused on the people rather than the .
“Don’t be bothered. If any governors like, let them decamp. We will stay with the people of Nigeria,” he affirmed.
Addressing criticisms that the PDP builds strong individuals instead of institutions, Makinde defended the party’s resilience, noting that it survived losing federal power in 2015 and continues to thrive.
He pointed to the inauguration of the Southwest zonal executive as evidence of the PDP’s institutional strength, contrasting it with the APC’s lack of consistent internal structure.
“As strong as the APC claims to be, it has not held its congress in the Southwest. This is a party that only held one NEC meeting since the advent of the current administration. Meanwhile, PDP is preparing for its 300th NEC meeting. That’s the difference,” Makinde said.
The governor encouraged party members to remain steadfast, reassuring them that their loyalty will be rewarded and that future party positions will reflect their commitment.
Makinde concluded with a rallying message, “2027 will not be APC versus PDP. It will be APC versus the hungry people of Nigeria.”
