Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has issued a stern warning to those attempting to undermine preparations for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Convention scheduled for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State, describing such moves as a futile act akin to “political suicide.”
Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Monday after inaugurating the PDP National Convention Transportation Subcommittee, Makinde said Oyo State was ready to host the most successful convention in the party’s history.
He maintained that any effort to derail the upcoming event would not only fail but also expose those behind it as enemies of the party’s unity and progress. “The PDP is a moving train,” he said. “Anyone trying to stand in its way is taking a dangerous gamble.”
Makinde’s comments come amid renewed turbulence within the PDP, following months of defections and internal wrangling that have reshaped the party’s power dynamics ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Several top PDP figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Senate President David Mark, and media entrepreneur Dele Momodu, have aligned themselves with the opposition coalition spearheaded by the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Meanwhile, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has continued to lure key PDP leaders, among them Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, and the party’s 2023 vice-presidential candidate, Ifeanyi Okowa.
Party insiders say the wave of defections could intensify in the coming weeks, with Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah and Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri reportedly considering crossing over to the APC before the Ibadan convention.
Despite these challenges, Makinde maintained that the PDP remains resilient and focused on repositioning itself as a formidable political force. “Ibadan will host a convention that redefines our party’s future,” he declared. “We are not distracted by political theatrics; our goal is to restore Nigerians’ confidence in the PDP.”
