Don’t Despair, PDP on Course, Makinde Tells Members
Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, on Monday, advised Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members not to despair in spite of recent high-profile defections.
Makinde spoke during the inaugural meeting of the party’s National Convention Transportation Sub-Committee, which he chairs, in Abuja.
He said that the party remained on course to recovering power in 2027, notwithstanding the defections.
Makinde urged PDP members to remain steadfast and committed to the revival of the party, which was still a constant factor in Nigerian politics.
“This situation may appear like it’s difficult, because the news out there is people are defecting, governors are defecting.
“I have good news. It may appear that it’s getting worse, but usually, when you want something that will endure, it will usually get worse before it gets better,” he said.
Makinde encouraged members to see the current period as an opportunity for “new authentic heroes” to emerge, urging them not to despair or engage in self-doubt.
“I want to encourage you, when you hear the news of certain people who have defected, please just hold your own corner for PDP. This is the moment where new authentic heroes are going to be made,” he said.
The governor, citing his experience in Oyo State, recalled the situation before the 2019 general elections when the PDP in the state had only one honourable member as its highest political office holder.
“Two weeks after, we had 26 out of 32 State Assembly members. We had people in the National Assembly. So, they may say whatever they like to say,” he said.
He also dismissed claims that the PDP lacked a national spread, saying the party had members across all wards in Nigeria.
“If you look at the attendance in this room, we are all from every corner of this country.
“We have individuals from the North-West, from North Central, from the North-East, from the South-East, from the South-South, and from the South West; that is PDP.
“They can go out there and say that PDP is not everywhere, but let me give you the assurance that PDP is in every ward of this country,” he said.
Makinde described the transportation sub-committee’s assignment as a “major task”. He said that the success of the convention depended on their efficiency in coordinating the logistics of moving delegates and supporters to and from Ibadan.
“Our work will start before they even leave home. So, it’s a major task,” Makinde said, urging commitment and dedication from all members. He assured party members and the public that the convention would be successful.
“Hold me responsible if we do not have one of the best ever national conventions in the history of PDP,” the governor said.
He urged the sub-committee members to see their assignment as a special sacrifice that PDP needed to get back on its original trajectory.
Former Minister of Special Duties, Taminu Turaki, who is the Co-chairman of the PDP convention, urged the Sub-committee members to put in their best. “It is often said that to whom that much is given, much is expected,” he said.
Turaki commended Makinde’s continued support for the PDP, saying he had always demonstrated his readiness to serve the party.
“From your acceptance to chair the convention in the historic city of Ibadan, which is your state capital, you’ve shown exemplary leadership.
“You’ve always been there for the NCOC, giving us support when we ask, and giving the support that we need even when we do not ask,” he said. #Don’t Despair, PDP on Course, Makinde Tells Members#
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