In a vibrant display of political unity and strategic foresight, Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has boldly declared that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will not only maintain its dominance in Oyo State beyond 2027 but also reclaim the presidency and secure overwhelming victories in the upcoming general elections. The governor’s confident pronouncement came during the Oyo State PDP Congress held on Monday at the Basketball Area of the Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba, Ibadan. The event, attended by a broad spectrum of party stakeholders, including ward and local government executives, ad-hoc delegates, and prominent leaders from all 33 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state, underscored the PDP’s organizational strength and commitment to internal democracy.
The congress, a pivotal moment for the PDP in Oyo State, was marked by a seamless and rancour-free process, reflecting the party’s cohesive structure and Governor Makinde’s adept leadership. Addressing the enthusiastic gathering of party faithful, Makinde emphasized the importance of the congress as a foundation for the PDP’s continued political dominance in the state. He highlighted the party’s successful conduct of ward, local government, and state-level congresses, describing them as a testament to the PDP’s robust internal democratic mechanisms. “This exercise is to ensure that the PDP continues to remain in power in Oyo State beyond 2027,” Makinde asserted, rallying the newly elected state executive members to work tirelessly to deliver victories across all levels of elections, from local government councils to the presidency.
A Call to Action for Party Unity and Electoral Success
Governor Makinde’s speech was not only a celebration of the party’s achievements but also a clarion call for sustained effort and unity. He urged the new state executive committee to prioritize the PDP’s success in the 2027 elections, emphasizing that their mandate was clear: to deliver PDP candidates from the councillorship to the presidential level. “Your mandate is clear—deliver PDP from the Presidential to the Councillorship position in 2027,” he charged the executives, underscoring the critical role they would play in shaping the party’s future.
Beyond electoral goals, Makinde addressed the concerns of party members who have yet to benefit directly from the government’s initiatives. He reassured them that their contributions had not gone unnoticed and that the administration remained committed to ensuring that all party faithful would reap the rewards of their loyalty. “I want to congratulate all of us in advance because I believe, in this party, we won’t all labour in vain. We will all reap the fruits of our labour in this government,” he said. “Let me assure us once again that those who are yet to get something from this government will be reached soon.” This promise resonated deeply with the audience, reinforcing the governor’s reputation as a leader attuned to the needs of his party’s grassroots supporters.
New Leadership to Steer the PDP Forward
The congress culminated in the re-election of Hon. Dayo Ogungbenro as the PDP State Chairman, a move that signaled continuity and stability within the party’s leadership. Alongside Ogungbenro, other key positions were filled, with Alhaji Wasiu Adeleke elected as Deputy State Chairman, Oyelami Oyeyemi as State Secretary, Olawumi Elizabeth Toyin as Women Leader, and Bello Kazeem Olalekan as Youth Leader. The election of these leaders was met with widespread approval, as they were seen as capable of driving the party’s agenda forward under Makinde’s guidance.
In his acceptance speech, Hon. Ogungbenro expressed gratitude to Governor Makinde and the party’s leadership for their unwavering support. He pledged to lead with diligence and commitment, vowing to work tirelessly to ensure the PDP’s candidates emerged victorious in the 2027 general elections. “We will not rest on our laurels,” Ogungbenro declared. “With the support of our governor and the entire PDP family, we will deliver resounding victories across all levels.” His words were met with applause, as party members expressed confidence in the new executive team’s ability to build on the party’s existing successes.
A Testament to Internal Democracy
The smooth conduct of the congress was widely praised as a reflection of the PDP’s commitment to internal democracy. Senator Austin Akobundu, Chairman of the Oyo State PDP Congress Electoral Panel, lauded Governor Makinde and the party’s stakeholders for fostering an environment of unity and cooperation. In his welcome address, Akobundu described the Oyo State PDP as one of the strongest chapters of the party in Nigeria, attributing its growth and transformation to Makinde’s political goodwill and leadership acumen. “Under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde, this party has grown from strength to strength,” he said. “The testimonial is the recent bye-election into the House of Representatives, which the PDP won.”
Akobundu also highlighted the significance of the congress for the party’s national prospects, expressing optimism that the PDP would field successful candidates in the 2027 general elections. He urged party members to maintain the discipline and orderliness that had characterized the congress, assuring them that the PDP’s organizational strength would translate into electoral success. “Today, we expect nothing different from what we have done before. Most congresses here have been very seamless, and I can see that the event is well-organized today. This is a reflection of the acceptance of the PDP,” he noted.
Goodwill Messages and Calls for Unity
The congress was enriched by goodwill messages from prominent PDP leaders, who commended the party’s unity and Governor Makinde’s stabilizing influence. Former Deputy Governor of Oyo State and PDP National Deputy Chairman (South), Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja, praised the peaceful conduct of the congress as a demonstration of the party’s commitment to democratic principles. “What we are witnessing today is a clear indication that the PDP in Oyo State is a united and formidable force,” Arapaja said. He urged party members to continue supporting Makinde’s leadership, which he described as a cornerstone of the party’s success.
Similarly, former Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Senator Monsurat Sunmonu, and Senator Gbenga Babalola echoed Arapaja’s sentiments, commending Makinde for his role in strengthening the PDP. They prayed for a more united and prosperous PDP, both in Oyo State and across Nigeria, and expressed confidence in the party’s ability to deliver on its promises to the electorate. “Governor Makinde has shown that leadership is about bringing people together and delivering results,” Sunmonu said. “We are proud to be part of this journey.”
A Founding Father’s Charge
Adding a historical perspective to the event, former Governor of Jigawa State and one of the PDP’s founding fathers, Alhaji Sule Lamido, congratulated the 39 newly elected state executive members. In his brief remarks, Lamido charged them to uphold the party’s values and work diligently for its progress and development. “The PDP is a party with a rich history and a bright future,” he said. “Your role as leaders is to build on this legacy and ensure that the party continues to serve the people of Oyo State and Nigeria.” His words served as a reminder of the PDP’s enduring relevance and its potential to shape Nigeria’s political landscape.
High-Profile Attendance and INEC Oversight
The congress was attended by a distinguished array of party leaders and government officials, underscoring its importance to the PDP’s political strategy. Among those present were Oyo State Deputy Governor, Barr. Bayo Lawal; former Deputy Governor, Engr. Hamid Gbadamosi; Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin; serving and former National Assembly members; State House of Assembly members; local government chairmen; and delegates from the 33 LGAs. Their presence highlighted the broad support for Makinde’s leadership and the PDP’s agenda in Oyo State.
The exercise was closely monitored by a team from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), ensuring transparency and adherence to electoral guidelines. The INEC team’s presence further validated the congress’s credibility, reinforcing the PDP’s reputation for conducting free and fair internal elections.
A Vision for 2027 and Beyond
Governor Makinde’s address at the congress was not only a reflection on the PDP’s current strength but also a forward-looking vision for the party’s future. By emphasizing the importance of internal democracy and grassroots engagement, Makinde positioned the PDP as a party ready to meet the challenges of the 2027 elections. His assurance that the party would remain in power in Oyo State beyond 2027 was rooted in a deep understanding of the state’s political dynamics and the PDP’s organizational prowess.
The governor’s leadership has been instrumental in transforming Oyo State into a PDP stronghold, with the party’s recent victories in local and national elections serving as evidence of its growing influence. The bye-election win referenced by Senator Akobundu, for instance, highlighted the PDP’s ability to mobilize voters and deliver results even in competitive races. This track record, combined with the party’s seamless congresses, has bolstered confidence in its ability to achieve even greater success in the future.
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
While the PDP in Oyo State is riding a wave of optimism, the road to 2027 is not without challenges. The party must navigate a complex political landscape, both within Oyo State and at the national level, where opposition parties are likely to mount strong campaigns. However, the PDP’s unity, as demonstrated during the congress, provides a solid foundation for addressing these challenges. By maintaining its commitment to internal democracy and inclusive governance, the party can continue to build trust among its members and the broader electorate.
Moreover, Governor Makinde’s emphasis on rewarding party loyalty and ensuring that all members benefit from the government’s programs is a strategic move to maintain grassroots support. This approach not only strengthens the PDP’s internal cohesion but also enhances its appeal to voters who value tangible results and inclusive leadership.
Conclusion: A United PDP Poised for Victory
The Oyo State PDP Congress was more than just a routine party event; it was a powerful statement of intent from a party confident in its leadership and vision. Under Governor Seyi Makinde’s stewardship, the PDP has solidified its position as a dominant force in Oyo State, with a clear roadmap for maintaining power beyond 2027 and achieving national success. The re-election of Hon. Dayo Ogungbenro and the emergence of a capable state executive team signal continuity and readiness for the challenges ahead.
As the PDP prepares for the 2027 general elections, its focus on internal democracy, unity, and grassroots engagement will be critical to its success. With Governor Makinde at the helm and a committed cadre of leaders and members, the PDP in Oyo State is well-positioned to deliver on its promise of transformative governance and electoral victories. The congress, with its orderly conduct and overwhelming support for the party’s leadership, has set the stage for a bright future, not only for the PDP in Oyo State but also for its aspirations on the national stage.
