Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and former Senate President Dr. Bukola Saraki on Thursday urged leaders of Nigeria’s Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to maintain unity by avoiding internal divisions fueled by presidential aspirations. Speaking at the inauguration of the Board of Governors and the launch of a roadmap for the Peoples Democratic Institute (PDI) at PDP’s national headquarters in Abuja, both leaders emphasized that party cohesion must take precedence over individual ambitions.
Concerns have grown in recent months as key figures within PDP, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Bauchi Governor Bala Mohammed, and Makinde himself, have indicated possible intentions to run in the 2027 presidential race. Party members worry that these ambitions could deepen divisions within PDP, which has already split into factions aligned with either Abubakar or the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. This development has threatened reconciliation efforts led by the Olagunsoye Oyinlola committee.
Saraki, addressing attendees, warned against sacrificing the party’s legacy for personal gains, stating, “The PDP was built on ideas, philosophies, and policies—not personal ambition. We cannot have a party if we lack ideas. This is our foundation.” He added that Nigerians look to the PDP for substantive solutions, urging members to focus on pressing policy issues rather than political rivalry.
Echoing Saraki’s sentiments, Makinde appealed to members to prioritize the party’s success over individual goals. “As a beneficiary of PDP’s support since 2019, I am committed to preserving this institution rather than polluting it,” he said, calling on PDP members to stand unified as the party prepares for critical elections in Ondo State and beyond.
Makinde also pledged support for PDP’s Ondo State governorship candidate Agboola Ajayi, advocating for “true reconciliation” within the party to counter any potential interference from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state’s election process.