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Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will do everything in its power to rebuild the party and Nigeria.
Makinde said this on Thursday at the inauguration of the board and presentation of the Peoples Democratic Institute (PDI) roadmap in Abuja.
PDI is the research arm of PDP, established in 2000 to promote a new democratic culture in Nigeria and Africa through the provision of value-added education, training, development, research and documentation programmes.
Makinde said PDP can solve Nigeria, adding, “We will solve PDP and then PDP will solve Nigeria. That will be the basis of real hope for Nigerians.”
“As 2027 approaches, it is clear that the PDP must offer real hope to Nigeria. Activating the PDI will bring real hope to the people.
“Our country needs direction. Nigerians are looking to the PDP to provide them with an ideological foundation,” he said.
Makinde said with the inauguration of the board, the PDP is one step closer to defining the ideology it represents.
He advised politicians and leaders given the opportunity to serve to always ask themselves what they want to be remembered for.
Governor Oyo vowed to work towards strengthening democracy and the PDP in the country.
“I have been a beneficiary of PDP since 2019. Therefore, I would like to thank our great party for giving me the opportunity to win not one but two mandates in quick succession under this umbrella. I would like to express my gratitude to all those who have gathered here today.
“The only thing I can promise you is that when I leave that office, I will not pollute the well because I draw water from that well and have been drinking water since 1999,” he said. .
Makinde also called on PDP leaders, party members and stakeholders to stand united in the November 16 Ondo governorship election and resist all attempts to terminate the election.
He said true reconciliation and unity was needed for the PDP to wrest power from the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo.
Former Senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki, in his remarks, said political parties are built on ideas, philosophies and policies, stressing the need to jointly build the PDP.
He urged PDP members to move away from building ideas based on self and ambition as Nigeria moves towards 2027.
“You can’t have ambition without a party. You can’t have a party without an idea. This is the beginning. This is the important foundation.
“Let’s stop talking about who’s running for city council, who’s running for governor, who’s running for president in 2027.
“Let’s talk about what PDP is. What does PDP stand for? These are the issues and policies that we have to consider,” Saraki said.
In his acceptance speech, PDI Board of Directors Chairman Taofik Alapaja pledged the Board members’ commitment to PDI’s mission and vision and to PDP’s Guiding Principles.
Mr Alapaja, PDP Deputy National Chairman (South), commended the party leadership and Mr Makinde for their efforts towards reforming the PDI, saying the board would promote the principles of the PDI to enrich Nigeria’s democracy. said.
“As we embark on this journey, we pledge to live with innovation, transparency and inclusion.
“We are passionate about developing the next generation of leaders and ensuring that PDI becomes a real force for progressive thinking, skills, building and intellectual debate within and outside the party.
“We envision PDI to be more than just a research institution, but a vibrant and inclusive hub for young people, women and all party members,” Alapaja said.
PDI Director Dr. Edward Adi acknowledged Mr. Makinde’s support in rebuilding the institute and appealed for support from all, especially in terms of financial and human resources.
He said research institutes like PDI are critical to the electoral success of political parties, funding the substance of power and providing necessary training to political leaders.
