The South West Zonal Caucus of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Friday said the party will not join the coalition of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the 2027 elections. The caucus urged all party members to remain united, steadfast, and continue to support their leaders in the zone as they navigate through issues at both the zonal and national levels.

The caucus, however, stated its readiness to support the position of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party, which is open to working with other well-meaning, like-minded citizens in the collective effort to rescue the nation from the stranglehold of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The caucus also voiced concern over insecurity and economic difficulties under the APC administration, forecasting a PDP victory in the 2027 elections. The caucus praised Governors Makinde and Adeleke for their people-centred leadership and called on Nigerians to support the PDP in order to restore the nation from the APC’s misrule.

The caucus stated these during its meeting at Olusoji Adagunodo South West PDP Zonal Secretariat, Ibadan, Oyo State. The outcome of the meeting was contained in a 10-point communique issued, signed, and made available to journalists in Ibadan by Chief Sanya Atofarati, the Southwest PDP Zonal Publicity Secretary.

The communique read in parts: ”The South West Zonal Caucus of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), after extensive deliberations on issues of urgent importance to the party in the South West Zone and at the national level, unanimously resolves as follows:

”The caucus reaffirms its unwavering loyalty to the PDP and commitment to the unity, stability, progress and success of the party at all levels in the zone and across the country.

”The caucus commends and appreciates the Executive Governor of Oyo State, His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde, the Executive Governor of Osun State, His Excellency, Senator Ademola Adeleke and other leaders of the PDP in the zone for their untiring roles in ensuring the stability and growth of the PDP as the prominent political Party in the South West.

”The caucus reaffirms that the PDP in South West is intact and urges all organs and relevant bodies of the party to remain focused and continue to work assiduously towards the successful conduct of the scheduled national convention to further strengthen and reposition the PDP for the task ahead.

“The caucus states that it is not part of the reported coalition and urges all members of the PDP to remain united, steadfast and continue to stand behind our leaders in the zone in navigating through all issues at the zonal and national levels. The caucus, however, supports the position of the National Working Committee (NWC) that our party remains open to working with other well-meaning, like-minded citizens in the collective effort to rescue our nation from the stranglehold of the All Progressives Congress (APC).”

The PDP zonal leadership also urged members to intensify efforts to ensure the party’s victory in the upcoming bye-elections in Oyo and Ogun States, as well as the Local Government Council election in Lagos State. It expressed confidence that the PDP remains the party of choice in the South West and Nigeria at large.

”The caucus resolves to intensify efforts to ensure the victory of our great Party in the upcoming bye-elections in Oyo and Ogun States, as well as the Local Government Council election in Lagos State. The caucus is confident that the PDP as a party of choice in the South West and Nigeria at large will record a sweeping victory in the coming elections.

”The caucus demands that the Federal Government immediately release the withheld Osun State Local Government Allocation. The withholding of the Osun State Local Government Allocation by the Federal Government is unconstitutional, unwarranted and a violation of the rights and well-being of the people of Osun State.

”The caucus expresses very serious concern over the worsening insecurity and economic hardship in the country under the APC administration. The caucus reechoes the declaration of Governor Makinde that the 2027 election will be between Nigerians and the APC, with Nigerians ultimately triumphing under the banner of the PDP.

”The caucus again commends Governor Makinde and Governor Adeleke for their people-oriented leadership in ensuring peace, stability, security and infrastructural development in the South West Zone.

”The caucus urges Nigerians not to lose hope but remain resolute and continue to rally with the PDP as our party leads the charge to rescue our nation from the misrule of the APC,” it added.