Makinde Dismisses Coalition Threat, Affirms Party’s Unity
By Adewale Owoade
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde has declared that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is an institution that cannot be threatened by talks of an emerging coalition.
He stated this after a meeting of the South-West PDP Caucus, where leaders reaffirmed their loyalty to the party and commitment to its unity, stability, progress, and success.
The meeting, held at the South-West PDP Secretariat, Ibadan, was attended by key leaders, including former Governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola.
Gov. Makinde emphasised that the PDP in the South-West is united and undivided, and that the PDP has its own ways and means of dealing with issues and will come out stronger as the only credible political alternative for Nigerians.
“We want the whole world to know that the PDP in the South-West is united and we are together and that the coalition is not a threat to the PDP.
“Who are these people in this coalition? They were in some parties before, whether PDP or APC. What are their antecedents? Does it mean that anytime they move from one party to the other, they have repented or they have something new to offer the people? These are salient questions.
“This Soji Adagunodo House is for the PDP South-West. If the roof is leaking, as leaders of PDP in the South-West, are we going to abandon the building and go somewhere else to take refuge?
“No, we will stay inside here and fix it to let the people know that we are responsible leaders and we have the interest of the people at heart.
“So, a lot of people can say whatever they like, but in a party like the PDP, which is an institution, we have our own ways and means of dealing with such issues. When we get to the point where we have to deal with such issues, I give you the assurance that we will,” Makinde said.
The Caucus threw its weight behind the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) and commended Governors Makinde and Ademola Adeleke (Osun State) for their roles in ensuring the stability and growth of the PDP.
The communiqué issued after the meeting which was read by the Southwest PDP Zonal Publicity Secretary, Sanya Atofarati, highlighted several key points.
“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 wellbeing of the people of Osun State.
“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 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.”
Leaders in attendance at the meeting also include the PDP Deputy National Chairman (South), Amb. Taofeek Arapaja; Dr Eddy Olafeso; Senator Monsurat Sunmonu; Dr Saka Balogun; PDP National Vice Chairman (South-West), Barr. Kamorudeen Ajisafe; and Oyo State PDP Secretary, Alhaji Wasiu Adeleke, among others.(NAN)