Defections: Don’t Despair, PDP Will Rise Again – Makinde Tells Party Members

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has urged members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) not to lose hope amid the wave of defections shaking the party, assuring them that the current turbulence is temporary and that the PDP will rise again.

Speaking in Abuja on Monday during the inauguration of the PDP National Convention Transportation Subcommittee, which he chairs, Makinde appealed for unity and perseverance, describing the party’s present difficulties as a necessary phase of rebuilding. He likened the situation to the process of constructing something enduring, noting that “it often gets worse before it gets better.”

The governor reaffirmed that the PDP remains a truly national political movement with members in every ward across Nigeria. He urged supporters to remain steadfast in their respective areas and not be discouraged by recent departures of high-profile members.

In recent months, several prominent figures have left the PDP for rival parties. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Senate President David Mark, and former presidential aspirant Dele Momodu are among those reported to have aligned with the opposition coalition led by the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Some PDP governors, including Akwa Ibom’s Umo Eno, Delta’s Sheriff Oborevwori, and the party’s 2023 vice-presidential candidate, Ifeanyi Okowa, have reportedly defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). There are also indications that Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah and Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri may follow suit ahead of the PDP National Elective Convention scheduled for November 15–16 in Ibadan.

Makinde, however, dismissed suggestions that the defections mark the end of the PDP. Instead, he described the period as an opportunity for renewal and for genuine leaders to emerge. “This is the time when true heroes will rise, not just for the PDP but for Nigeria as a whole,” he said. “It’s not a time for despair or self-doubt; it’s the time to stand up and be counted.”

Expressing optimism about the upcoming convention, Makinde said it would produce capable and visionary leaders who can restore public confidence in both the PDP and Nigeria’s democratic process. He emphasized the importance of diligence and collective responsibility, adding, “No matter how small your assignment, do it diligently—it will all add up to our collective success.”

Reflecting on his past role as Secretary of the PDP National Convention Organising Committee in 2021, Makinde said his acceptance of the chairmanship of the Transportation Subcommittee reaffirms his commitment to the party’s cause. He underscored the importance of the committee’s task in ensuring the smooth transport of delegates and supporters to Ibadan, stating that “the success of the convention will depend on the efficiency and dedication we put into our work.”

Makinde concluded by urging party members to view their contributions as acts of sacrifice toward rebuilding the PDP’s founding ideals and restoring Nigeria’s path to progress.