Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has declared that the 2027 general election will be a direct contest between the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Nigerian people, emphasizing that the stakes go beyond party politics.
Makinde made this statement on Saturday while inaugurating the Late Olusoji Adagunodo Zonal Secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital. He also remarked that his future political direction would be decided by him alone, independent of external influence.
The event drew a notable audience, including Acting National Chairman of the PDP, Umar Damagum; Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke; former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom; former Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu; members of the party’s National Working Committee; and other leaders from across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
Makinde urged PDP leaders to focus on internal unity and collective action, stressing that Nigerians themselves would shape the country’s future leadership. He addressed speculation about his political agenda and criticized alleged efforts by the ruling party to stymie opposition unity, emphasizing that internal PDP cooperation would be key to their success in 2027.
“People are speculating about my next moves,” Makinde said. “But let me be clear: no one will set my agenda but myself. I won’t let the ruling party or any other entity interfere with our ability to form a united front.”
Highlighting his alliance with Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, Makinde added, “Governor Adeleke and I can work together to strengthen our party in the South-West. This partnership is beyond the ruling party’s reach. We need to unify our base so that, come 2027, it won’t just be APC versus PDP – it will be APC versus the Nigerian people.”
Osun State Governor Adeleke echoed this call for unity, saying, “Let’s leave past divisions behind and work together for our party’s future. Resolving conflicts within Government House is preferable to public disputes. Our focus must be on building robust administrative and operational structures.”
Acting National Chairman Damagum also paid tribute to the late Adagunodo, describing him as a compassionate and dedicated leader whose efforts significantly strengthened the PDP. He expressed confidence that with renewed unity, the PDP could reclaim dominance across the South-West and the nation.
