Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state has declared that Nigerianns will use the opportunity of the 2027 general elections to express their understanding of the difference between the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the 16 years administration of the now opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP)
Governor Makinde, who made the declaration at the inauguration of the People’s Democratic Institute
(PDI) at the national secretariat of the PDP in Abuja therefore called on stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to unite and rebuild the party to better serve Nigeria.
He emphasized that Nigerians now recognize the difference between the PDP and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in national governance.
“As we approach 2027, it is clear that the PDP must offer real hope for Nigeria. By revitalizing the PDI, we are laying that foundation,” Makinde said. “Our country needs direction, and Nigerians are looking to the PDP to provide an ideological base.
“Players will come and go, but you must be remembered for something.”
Makinde expressed confidence that the PDP is taking a significant step toward defining its ideology and cementing its place in history through the PDI
Reflecting on his own political journey, Makinde thanked the PDP for giving him the platform to serve Oyo State. “Since 2019, I have benefited from this party. I promise not to pollute the well from which I have drawn,” he said, emphasizing his commitment to the PDP’s values, vision, and mission.
He appreciated stakeholders of the party who have worked toward the revitalization of the PDI, stressing that the institute’s role under former President Olusegun Obasanjo and ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar in providing insights for national development. “During those years, the PDI contributed positively to governance,” he noted.
The governor, who gave a reminiscence of the “golden years” of PDP governance, regretted what he described as the recent deterioration under APC.
He highlighted the PDP’s efforts to secure debt forgiveness and foster global relationships, a legacy that has since eroded.
“Senator Abba Moro pointed out the differences between the PDP and APC,” Makinde said. “The PDI’s roadmap is essential to distinguish our party’s approach from others.”
He expressed confidence in the PDI’s new leadership under Ambassador Arapaja, saying, “I am certain they understand the task and will work to actualize the vision of a revitalized PDP.
“My people say, if a woman marries two men, she will know the difference. Nigeria has experienced both the PDP and APC in governance, and I believe they’re ready to return to the husband of their youth.”
He called for unity within the PDP, especially with the upcoming Ondo State election. “We must go as one united party, ensuring no rigging will succeed,” he urged, highlighting the PDP’s popularity and the capability of its candidates.
Makinde stressed the PDP’s commitment to youth inclusion, saying, “The PDP is the only party that has empowered youth in Nigeria, and the PDI will expand that space. I am committed to ensuring that young people have opportunities to engage in the political process.”l
. “We will fix the PDP, and the PDP will fix Nigeria. That will be the foundation of real hope for Nigerians,” he assured
Earlier in his remarks former Senate President Bukola Saraki echoed Makinde’s sentiments, urging the party to refocus on ideas and philosophies rather than personal ambition. “Let’s stop fixating on who will run in 2027 and instead build a foundation for ideas and policies,” Saraki said.
Senate Majority Leader Abba Moro also stressed that the PDP’s fortunes have declined due to a lack of adherence to its foundational ideas. He called for the implementation of past recommendations to strengthen the party for Nigeria’s progress.