By Abuja, Nigeria – Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and former Senate President Dr. Bukola Saraki on Thursday called for unity within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), emphasizing that personal presidential ambitions should not undermine the party’s collective goals.
Speaking at the launch of the PDP’s Board of Governors and the unveiling of the Peoples Democratic Institute roadmap in Abuja, the leaders urged members to prioritize the party’s ideals over individual aspirations. The appeal comes amid rising tensions over the 2027 presidential race, with speculations around the ambitions of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Bauchi Governor Bala Mohammed, and Makinde himself.
In recent months, the PDP has seen internal divisions between factions aligned with Abubakar and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike. Tensions escalated further when Mohammed, also chair of the PDP Governors’ Forum, expressed interest in running for president in 2027.
During the gathering, Saraki reminded members of the PDP’s legacy and warned against sacrificing the party’s future for personal goals. “The PDP was founded on ideas, philosophies, and policies,” he said. “Personal ambitions should not overshadow our mission. Without a strong party, individual ambitions are irrelevant.”
Saraki urged party members to focus on PDP’s core issues and policies, which he believes Nigerians are eager to see addressed. “Let’s stop debating individual candidacies for 2027. The real questions are: what does the PDP stand for, and how will we address Nigeria’s challenges?” he said. He emphasized the need for unity as PDP advances its role in Nigeria’s political landscape, calling the new Peoples Democratic Institute “a foundation” for the party’s future.
Echoing this sentiment, Governor Makinde expressed gratitude for his political journey within PDP and called on party members to help revive its fortunes. “I’ve benefitted greatly from this party since 2019,” he noted, pledging not to “pollute” the PDP as he continues his political career.
Makinde underscored the importance of the PDP in Nigeria’s current socio-political climate. “Since the 2015 elections, Nigeria has faced growing economic instability and social unrest. PDP must be a source of real hope and direction,” he said, promising his support for PDP’s candidate in the upcoming Ondo State governorship election, Agboola Ajayi.
“Our mission in Ondo requires unity and genuine reconciliation,” he said, emphasizing that the PDP’s candidate stands out as the best choice for the state. “We know we’re popular in Ondo, and our vision for governance is clear. We must work together to ensure victory without interference.”
Makinde concluded by affirming PDP’s commitment to youth inclusion, hinting at his own ongoing commitment to political participation. “The PDP has always provided space for youth, and I’ll continue supporting this. The Peoples Democratic Institute marks a new chapter in PDP’s blueprint to rebuild Nigeria.”
As the PDP aims to rebuild its unity and prepare for future elections, the message was clear: focus on the party’s foundational values to offer Nigerians a credible alternative.
