Amid deepening uncertainties within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) across Nigeria, former two term House of Representative member, Hon. Dada Awoleye, has described governor Seyi Makinde as a bastion of stability and rallying political figure in Oyo state.
This was as he throws his political weight behind Governor Seyi Makinde and endorsed his leadership in navigating the party through current turbulent political waters ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The declaration of confidence in the governor followed series of political engagement by Makinde alongside other national leaders of the party with other members of the coalition of opposition leaders in Abuja in a bid to chart a new course for the party and their followers aspiring for various elective office in 2027.
It was gathered that the crises rocking the PDP at the national level, ranging from internal divisions to strategic realignments, have resulted in widespread concerns over the party’s future and the prospects of aspirants seeking elective offices under its platform.
However, Awoleye has expressed confidence in Makinde’s ability to steer the party through the uncertainty while safeguarding its electoral strength.
Awoleye commended the governor’s courage, describing his leadership as steady and strategic at a critical moment in Nigeria’s democratic journey.
In a statement on Wednesday evening, Awoleye lauded Makinde for his resilience and foresight in managing the complex political landscape within the PDP, noting that his efforts have preserved unity and strengthened the party’s structure in Oyo State.
He described the challenges facing the PDP as part of a wider political maneuver allegedly orchestrated by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to not only weaken opposition forces but to destabilize them ahead of the 2027 polls.
According to him, “Governor Seyi Makinde has demonstrated uncommon courage and political maturity in navigating the complexities confronting the PDP.
“His leadership has ensured that Oyo State remains stable and united despite the turbulence at the national level and the only thing we can do at this point is to renew our resolve to follow his directives in absolute loyalty to wherever he directed us to go as a party.”
Awoleye further alleged that the crises within the opposition were indicative of a deliberate plot to edge Nigeria toward a one-party system and already justifies Makinde’s earlier allegation of a plan to force Nigeria into a one party state.
The former federal lawmaker warned that such a development would undermine democratic principles and national stability.
“What we are witnessing is a calculated attempt by the ruling APC to force Nigeria into a one-party state ahead of the 2027 general elections where opposition parties are literally non existent to even contest against the ruling party.
“Nigeria can not afford to toe such dangerous route at this stage of our democratic evolution as it would erode all the gains recorded so far since the return of democratic governance in 1999.
“We’re however hopeful that all hope is not lost as governor Makinde and other democratic forces across the country continue to mobilize to resist this ploy in the interest of the nation,” he said.
The former federal lawmaker pledged unfettered loyalty to Makinde, affirming that the PDP in Oyo State remains firmly behind the governor and would support any decision reached through ongoing consultations among opposition leaders and coalition partners.
He disclosed that discussions were underway among key political actors nationwide to forge a united front capable of strengthening democratic institutions and ensuring credible electoral competition in 2027.
“Oyo PDP stands solidly behind Governor Makinde in whatever decisions are reached at the level of the coalition of opposition leaders.
“We are committed to resisting any attempt to stifle democracy and will work collectively to protect the integrity of our political system,” Awoleye stated.
Expressing confidence in the governor’s political direction, he assured party faithful that the Oyo State chapter of the PDP would align fully with Makinde’s directive on the next line of action.
“As leaders and stakeholders, we are united. The entire PDP in Oyo State will align fully with Governor Makinde’s directive as we prepare for the future,” he added.
He noted that Oyo State has remained one of the PDP’s strongest footholds in the South-West, which he largely credited to Makinde’s governance style and firm control of the party’s structure.
His growing influence within the opposition bloc has positioned him as a key figure in ongoing efforts to reshape Nigeria’s political terrain ahead of the next general elections.
With permutations for 2027 already gathering momentum, Awoleye expressed optimism that the cohesion within the Oyo PDP would play a decisive role in determining the party’s fortunes of the party both regionally and nationally.
