Amid the legal challenges confronting the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) across the country, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has expressed strong confidence that the party will triumph, especially in its many legal battles.
Makinde also vowed that he would not allow “vagabonds” to hijack the PDP in Oyo State or undermine its chances of retaining power.
The governor gave the assurance on Tuesday while speaking at the commissioning of the newly built PDP Secretariat at Oke-Ado, Ibadan. He described the judiciary as the last hope of the common man, stressing his firm belief in Nigeria’s judicial system.
“I believe strongly in the judiciary. At the end of the day, justice will be done, and the PDP will get justice,” Makinde said.
He warned that he and other loyal members of the party would resist any attempt by disgruntled elements to destabilise the PDP for selfish interests or create an opening for another political party to take over power in Oyo State.
Reflecting on past political alliances, Makinde acknowledged that he once worked closely with some individuals now opposed to the party but said he had since severed ties with them.
“In Yorubaland, we say that if you see a house or compound that is peaceful, it is because the vagabond in that house has not yet grown up,” he said.
“The vagabonds in PDP grew up in 2015 and had their time. For about 10 years, they practised their vagabondism in the PDP. But they were expelled in November 2025. So, there are no more vagabonds in the PDP.”
He added: “I once dined and wined with them. I even puked with them, but I have repented.”
The governor maintained that the PDP remains the authentic platform for progressive governance in Oyo State, insisting that internal disputes would not distract the party from delivering good governance to the people.
In his remarks, the Oyo State PDP Chairman, Dayo Ogungbenro, urged party members to deepen their commitment and loyalty ahead of the 2027 general elections, stressing that unity and hard work were critical to electoral success.
Ogungbenro expressed optimism that the PDP would win the 2027 elections, attributing his confidence to sustained public support and divine grace.
At the event, Makinde announced that the newly commissioned PDP Secretariat was named after a former state chairman of the party, Omokunmi Mustapha, in recognition of his contributions.
He also formally handed over the building documents to the PDP National Chairman, Tanimu Turaki, marking the official takeover of the party house.
The ceremony was attended by prominent party leaders, including former Kano State Governor Ibrahim Shekarau, PDP Deputy National Chairman (South) Taofeek Arapaja, and other stakeholders from within and outside Oyo State.
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