Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has warned those attempting to derail preparations for the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) forthcoming National Convention, describing such efforts as “political suicide.”
Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Monday after inaugurating the PDP National Convention Transportation Subcommittee, which he chairs, Makinde declared that the party’s convention—scheduled for November 15–16 in Ibadan—would go ahead as planned despite recent defections and internal unrest.
“This meeting is just a demonstration of the fact that the National Convention of our great party—the train—has moved,” Makinde said. “Whoever is trying to stop a moving train is probably trying to commit suicide. So, my advice is simple: we don’t want to see anyone dead. Please, don’t commit suicide.”
The warning follows weeks of tension within the PDP as several prominent figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Senate President David Mark, and former presidential aspirant Dele Momodu, joined the opposition coalition led by the African Democratic Congress ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Meanwhile, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has drawn high-profile defections from the PDP, including Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno, Delta State’s Sheriff Oborevwori, and the party’s 2023 vice-presidential candidate, Ifeanyi Okowa.
There are also reports that Enugu Governor Peter Mbah and Bayelsa’s Douye Diri could follow suit before the Ibadan convention.
Allies of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, have further threatened to challenge the convention’s legitimacy, accusing the Umar Damagum-led National Working Committee of marginalising the South-South and manipulating zoning arrangements.
Last week, the Federal High Court in Abuja dismissed an ex parte motion filed by Wike’s associates seeking to stop both the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the PDP from proceeding with the convention. Justice James Omotosho ruled that there was no legal basis to halt the process.
Unfazed by the disputes, Makinde insisted the party remained united and resilient. “We have been a government in power; we have been in opposition. Challenges will come and go, but we are not distracted,” he said. “Do we want a one-party state in Nigeria? The answer is no. Nigerians want a multi-party democracy, and that is what we are building.”
Addressing rumours of his own 2027 presidential ambition, Makinde said his immediate focus was ensuring a successful convention. “For us, we must have a party before anyone can have an ambition,” he said. “Right now, all our efforts are about hosting the best National Convention ever in the history of the PDP.”
In a rallying call to party members, Makinde urged unity and perseverance. “This situation may appear difficult,” he said. “But when something lasting is being built, it often gets worse before it gets better. Since 1999, the PDP has always been a constant—either as the ruling party or the main opposition. We’re not going anywhere.”
He called on members to hold their ground at the grassroots, describing this period as “the moment when new and authentic heroes will emerge.”
Makinde also emphasised the logistical importance of his committee’s work. “Our job starts before delegates even leave home,” he said. “Ensuring the safe and efficient movement of delegates and supporters to Ibadan will be crucial to the convention’s success.”
PDP National Convention Co-Chairman and former Minister of Special Duties, Tanimu Turaki (SAN), expressed confidence that the convention would set the stage for the party’s return to power. “Nigerians will now know that the PDP is on course—the journey to reclaim Aso Rock has started,” he said.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, echoed that optimism, declaring, “This is the only truly democratic party in Nigeria. With the support of the people, we will defeat the failed APC government come 2027.”
Efforts to reach Nyesom Wike’s spokesperson, Lere Olayinka, for comment were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.
