Ahead of the 2027 general elections, former Senate President Bukola Saraki and Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State called on stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to unite in order to strengthen the party and, ultimately, the nation. They made these remarks during the inauguration and unveiling of the Board of Governors of the Peoples Democratic Institute (PDI) in Abuja.
Governor Makinde emphasized that Nigerians are beginning to understand the differences between the PDP and the All Progressives Congress (APC) when it comes to governance. He stated, “As we approach 2027, it is clear that the PDP must provide real hope for Nigeria. By revitalizing the PDI, we are creating that hope for our people.”
He added, “Our country needs direction, and Nigerians are looking to the PDP for an ideological foundation. Much has been said about the PDI, how it came to exist through the efforts of former Governor Okwesilieze Nwodo and others who interacted with the PDI.
“But I ask, what do you want to be remembered for? This is a question every politician who has had the opportunity to serve in our great nation should consider, because leaders will come and go. The situation is ever-changing, but you should strive to be remembered for something significant.
“With the inauguration of the PDI Board of Governors and the unveiling of the PDI roadmap by the Director General, Dr. Edward, the PDP is taking a significant step toward defining the ideology that the party stands for and establishing its legacy.”
Governor Makinde went on to express his gratitude, saying, “Since 2019, I have benefitted from the PDP. I want to thank our great party and all the stakeholders present today for allowing me to receive not one, but two consecutive mandates under this party’s umbrella.
“I promise that having drawn from the well of PDP, I will not taint it when my time in office comes to an end. The PDP is the only party in Nigeria that has actively included youth in a political framework, and I believe the PDI will further expand that opportunity.
“I’m getting older myself—though still young at heart, in mind, and in body. The PDP can and will do everything in its power to mend Nigeria. We can fix Nigeria, we will fix the PDP, and from there, the PDP will fix Nigeria. That will form the basis of genuine hope for the people of Nigeria.”
Saraki emphasized a similar message, stating, “We have built this party. Political parties are built on ideas, philosophies, and policies. Let us move away from basing our ambitions solely on individual desires. We cannot have ambitions without a party. We cannot have a party without ideas. That is where it begins; this is a vital foundation.
“We must refrain from focusing on who is running for local council, governor, or president in 2027.”
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