Kehinde Fajobi
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and former Senate President Dr. Bukola Saraki on Thursday called on Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leaders to prioritise party unity over individual presidential ambitions.
They warned against the divisions that could arise from early personal aspirations for 2027.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Board of Governors and the unveiling of the roadmap for the Peoples Democratic Institute at the PDP’s national headquarters in Abuja, both leaders emphasised the importance of focusing on the party’s core principles.
Saraki underscored the need to protect the PDP’s legacy, which he described as built on “ideas, philosophies, and policies,” urging members to resist the influence of personal ambition.
“We cannot have an ambition if we don’t have a party,” Saraki said. “Let us stop talking about who is running for councillor, governor, or president in 2027. Let us focus on what the PDP represents. What are the issues and policies that we must address? This is what Nigerians want to know.”
Saraki added that the establishment of the Peoples Democratic Institute signalled a commitment to intellectual leadership.
He stated, “It is an embarrassment that, as a major political party, we did not have one until now. But today, we are closing that chapter. This is a serious party, and we are leaders. Let PDP lead in that way.”
Governor Makinde shared his gratitude for the PDP’s role in his political success and highlighted the importance of uniting the party.
He appealed to PDP members to focus on building a legacy that strengthens the party, rather than solely personal gains.
Reflecting on his own journey, Makinde said, “I have benefitted since 2019. I want to thank our great party and all stakeholders here today for giving me the opportunity to secure not one, but two mandates, back to back, under this umbrella.”
He continued, “The only thing I can promise is that, having drawn from this well, I will not pollute it when it is time for me to leave office.”
Makinde also pledged support for the PDP’s candidate in the upcoming Ondo State governorship election, stressing the importance of unity to overcome challenges from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
He called for a collective effort to ensure a fair election.
“We must go to Ondo as one united party and resist any attempt to undermine the will of the people,” Makinde said, adding that the PDP has consistently championed youth inclusion in politics.
In closing, Makinde assured members that the PDP would continue to develop plans to “fix Nigeria” through good governance, stating, “We will fix the PDP, and then the PDP will fix Nigeria. That is the foundation of real hope for the people of Nigeria.”