Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and former Senate President Dr. Bukola Saraki have called on leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to prioritize unity and prevent the party from being divided by individual presidential ambitions. .
The appeal was made during the official inauguration of the board and unveiling of the Peoples Democratic Institute roadmap at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja.
The event served as a platform for party leaders to address growing concerns over internal divisions that threaten the unity of the PDP.
Makinde and Saraki’s plea comes as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Bauchi Governor Bala Mohammed and Governor Makinde’s own presidential ambitions have exacerbated existing rifts within the party and the ongoing reconciliation led by Olagunsoye Oyinlola. The move comes amid reports that the effort could be stalled. committee.
In recent months, the PDP has been splintered into factions, with loyalties divided between Mr Atiku and the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike.
Tensions further escalated after Governor Muhammad, who is also the Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum, expressed interest in contesting the 2027 presidential election.
Speaking at the event, Saraki stressed that the PDP, which was once seen as a popular party, had endured significant challenges and should not be jeopardized by personal political aspirations.
Saraki said, “The party was built on ideas, philosophies and policies. Let’s move away from building ideas on the basis of personal ambitions. Without a party you can’t have ambitions. Without ideas. You can’t have a party. This is where it starts. This is the basics.
“Let’s stop talking about who will run for parliament, governorship and president in 2027. Let’s focus on what the PDP represents. What are the challenges and policies that we have to work on? That’s what Nigerians want to know. That’s why I support this institute. I hope others will too, because this is the foundation.
“I have traveled to several places, and even in Europe, when people meet us, they ask where our institute is. As a major political party, it is embarrassing that we have never had a political party But today we close that chapter. The message we send to Nigerians is that this is a serious party. Let PDP lead like that. ”
While expressing gratitude for the opportunities his political success has afforded him through the party, the Oyo State Governor urged all PDP members to strive to be remembered for their contribution to the revival of the party’s fortunes. urged.
“PDI Much has been said about its origins. But what do we want to be remembered for? This is its essence and importance today. said that he has benefited from I have also been a beneficiary of that since 2019, a great party that has given me the opportunity to secure not one but two mandates in quick succession under this umbrella and all the parties here today. “I would like to thank you,” he said.
Makinde added, “The only thing I can promise you is that now that I have pumped water from this well, I will not pollute it when I retire.The journey to this point has not been easy, but I have overcome many hardships.” I’m grateful for what I’ve come through in 2015. Things have gone from bad to worse since the 2016 elections.As we face the next level of economic instability and new challenges, the PDP must offer real hope to Nigeria. Our country needs direction and Nigerians are looking to the PDP as their ideological platform.”
The governor went on to pledge his support to the PDP’s Ondo State governorship candidate, Mr. Agboola Ajayi, stressing the need for unity to win the state.
He said: “As we head to Ondo State, we need real reconciliation and unity to overcome the APC there. We know we are more popular. Watch the debate. As mentioned above, our candidates are the only ones who have a clear vision for governance in Ondo.Therefore, we are against any form of collusion, be it institutional or propagated by the ruling party. We must work together to ensure that we do not succeed.”
He concluded, “We must go to Ondo as one party and resist any attempt to undermine the will of the people.” PDP is the only political party in Nigeria that allows youth to participate in the political process and I know that PDI will only expand this slot. I’m not that old. My mind and body remain young and I will continue to participate in efforts to provide political opportunities to young people.
“This announcement marks a renewal of PDP’s commitment to begin a plan for governance and create a blueprint to rebuild the nation. PDP can do everything to repair Nigeria. And we will do that again. We will solve PDP and then PDP will solve Nigeria. That is the basis of real hope for Nigerians.”
