- Safiu Kehinde
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has explained the reason why the Southwest leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are not interested in the joining force with the coalition group despite defection of some members of the party for the newly adopted African Democratic Congress (ADC) party.
Makinde, in his address to newsmen shortly after a meeting of the South-West PDP Caucus, held on Friday at the South-West PDP Secretariat in Ibadan, maintained that the PDP in the region remains united and not threatened by the coalition.
The Oyo State Governor questioned the motive behind the coalition which, according to him, has nothing to offer.
“We want the whole world to know that the PDP in the South-West is united and we are together and that the coalition is not a threat to the PDP.
He maintained that the PDP Southwest leaders will not disown the party but work together to resolve the internal crisis rocking it.
“Who are these people in this coalition? They were in some parties before, whether PDP or APC. What are their antecedents? Does it mean that anytime they move from one party to the other, they have repented or they have something new to offer the people? These are salient questions.
“This Soji Adagunodo House is for the PDP South-West. If the roof is leaking, as leaders of PDP in the South-West, are we going to abandon the building and go somewhere else to take refuge? No. We will stay inside here and fix it to let the people know that we are responsible leaders and we have the interest of the people at heart.” Makinde said.
He added that the PDP has it’s way of solving its crisis and will effectively address the issue of its members currently under the coalition group.
“So, a lot of people can say whatever they like, but in a party like the PDP, which is an institution, we have our own ways and means of dealing with such issues. When we get to the point where we have to deal with such issues, I give you the assurance that we will.” Makinde said.
According to report, the Southwest PDP leaders at the end meeting which had in attendance the Osun State governor, Senator Nurudeen Ademola Adeleke, who was represented by his deputy, Prince Kola Adewusi, former Governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola and other key leaders, issued a communique.
As contained in the communique, the Southwest leaders distanced themselves from the coalition.
The leaders reaffirmed their loyalty to the PDP and commitment to the unity, stability, progress and success of the party at all levels in the zone and across the country.
They also pledged their support for the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), adding that the party would be open to working with other like-minded citizens desirous of rescuing Nigeria from the stranglehold of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The Caucus also commended and appreciated Governors Makinde and Adeleke and other leaders of the PDP in the South-West Zone for their untiring roles in ensuring the stability and growth of the PDP.
The communiqué read further: “The Caucus resolves to intensify efforts to ensure the victory of our great Party in the upcoming by-elections in Oyo and Ogun States as well as Local Government Council election in Lagos State. The Caucus is confident that the PDP as a party of choice in the South West and Nigeria at large will record sweeping victory in the coming elections.
“The Caucus demands that the Federal Government immediately release the withheld Osun State Local Government allocation. The withholding of the Osun State Local Government allocation by the Federal Government is unconstitutional, unwarranted and a violation of the rights and wellbeing of the people of Osun State.
“The Caucus expresses very serious concern over the worsening insecurity and economic hardship in the country under the APC administration. The Caucus re-echoes the declaration of Governor Makinde that the 2027 election will be between Nigerians and the APC, with Nigerians ultimately triumphing under the banner of the PDP.
“The Caucus again commends Governor Makinde and Governor Adeleke for their people-oriented leadership in ensuring peace, stability, security and infrastructural development in the South West Zone.
“The Caucus urges Nigerians not to lose hope but remain resolute and continue to rally with the PDP as our party leads the charge to rescue our nation from the misrule of the APC.”