Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and former Senate President Dr. Bukola Saraki have called on the leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to prioritize unity within the party, urging them not to let personal presidential ambitions create further division.
The two leaders made the call on Thursday during the inauguration of the Board of Governors and the unveiling of the roadmap for the Peoples Democratic Institute (PDI) at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja.
Their remarks come amid growing concerns about the impact of 2027 presidential ambitions within the PDP, particularly those of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, and Makinde himself.
The competing aspirations have the potential to deepen existing rifts within the party, which is already divided into factions supporting Atiku and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
Tensions flared further when Mohammed, who also leads the PDP Governors’ Forum, confirmed his intent to run for president in 2027.
Saraki, speaking at the event, emphasized that the PDP’s success and relevance should not be undermined by individual ambitions.
He reminded party members that the PDP was built on a foundation of policies, ideologies, and shared values, not on personal interests.
“We cannot have an ambition if we don’t have a party, and we cannot have a party if we don’t have ideas. This is where it starts. This is the foundation,” Saraki said.
He urged party leaders to shift the focus from the 2027 elections and instead concentrate on the core issues and policies that the PDP represents.
“Let’s stop talking about who is running for president or governor in 2027. Let us concentrate on what the PDP stands for and what issues we need to address for the good of the country,” Saraki added.
Saraki also highlighted the importance of the PDP’s new institute, the PDI, noting that it would help reinforce the party’s intellectual foundation and improve its image.
“I’ve traveled to many places, even in Europe, and people have asked where our institute is. It is a mark of shame that, until now, we didn’t have one. But today, we are putting that chapter behind us,” he said.
Governor Makinde echoed Saraki’s sentiments, stressing the importance of unity in ensuring the PDP’s success. Reflecting on his own political journey, he expressed gratitude for the opportunities the party has provided him.
“I want to be remembered for helping to revive the fortunes of the PDP. Since 1998, I have benefited from this party, and since 2019, I have had the privilege of securing two mandates under its banner,” Makinde said.
The governor reassured party members that he would continue to support the PDP and its candidates, especially in the upcoming Ondo State governorship election.
“We must be united as we approach Ondo State. We have a strong chance of winning, but it will require unity within the party to ensure that the APC is defeated,” Makinde stated.
He further emphasized the importance of reconciliation within the party, saying that the PDP’s success in Ondo would hinge on working together and resisting any attempt by the ruling party to undermine the electoral process.
“We must ensure that no form of rigging or manipulation by the APC will succeed in Ondo,” he urged.
Makinde concluded by reiterating that the PDP must become a beacon of hope for Nigeria, stating, “The PDP must offer real hope for Nigeria and provide the ideological foundation the country desperately needs. We will fix the PDP, and through that, the PDP will fix Nigeria.”
He also pledged to continue championing youth participation in the political process, assuring the gathering that the PDI would help further open up opportunities for young Nigerians in politics.
“The PDP is the only party in Nigeria that has allowed youth to be part of the political process, and the PDI will only expand this space,” Makinde affirmed.
