Makinde Pledges PDP Will Retain Oyo, Reclaim Presidency in 2027

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has assured members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that the party will remain in power in the state beyond 2027 and reclaim the presidency in the next general elections.

Speaking at the Oyo State PDP Congress held at the Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Ibadan, the governor said the party’s smooth and rancour-free congresses from ward to state level were evidence of its strong internal democracy. According to him, this unity will enable the party to deliver victories at all levels, from councillorship to the presidency.

Makinde urged newly elected state executives to intensify efforts to strengthen the PDP’s structures across the state. He also reassured party members who were yet to benefit from the current administration that they would not be left out, promising inclusivity in governance and political appointments.

PDP Congress Produces New Executives

The state congress, attended by delegates, stakeholders, and party leaders from all 33 local government areas, produced Hon. Dayo Ogungbenro as the re-elected chairman of the PDP in Oyo State. Alhaji Wasiu Adeleke emerged as deputy chairman, while Oyelami Oyeyemi, Olawumi Elizabeth Toyin, and Bello Kazeem Olalekan were elected as secretary, women leader, and youth leader respectively.

Chairman of the PDP State Congress Electoral Panel, Senator Austin Akobundu, commended the governor and party stakeholders for their commitment to unity and stability. He noted that Oyo State had become one of PDP’s strongest chapters nationwide, pointing to recent electoral successes as proof of the party’s growing influence.

The exercise was monitored by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and witnessed by key political figures, including the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barr. Bayo Lawal, and several former governors and legislators.

PDP Leaders Laud Makinde’s Role

In their goodwill messages, former Deputy Governor of Oyo State and PDP National Deputy Chairman (South), Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja, former Speaker of the State Assembly, Senator Monsurat Sunmonu, and Senator Gbenga Babalola praised the peaceful conduct of the congress as a sign of the party’s maturity and commitment to internal democracy.

They commended Governor Makinde for stabilising the PDP in Oyo State and expressed confidence that the party would record victories in 2027. Former Jigawa State Governor, Alhaji Sule Lamido, also congratulated the 39 newly elected executives and urged them to work tirelessly for the growth of the party both in the state and nationally.

In his acceptance speech, re-elected Chairman Ogungbenro thanked Makinde and party leaders for their support, pledging to lead efforts to deliver the PDP’s candidates at all levels in the 2027 general elections.