Makinde Warns Against Disrupting PDP Convention, Calls It ‘Political Suicide’

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has cautioned those attempting to derail preparations for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Convention, describing such efforts as an act of “political suicide.”

Makinde, who addressed newsmen in Abuja shortly after inaugurating the PDP National Convention Transportation Subcommittee on Monday, said Oyo State was ready to host what he called the most successful convention in the party’s history, scheduled for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan.

Following months of internal wrangling, several top PDP figures—including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Senate President David Mark and publisher Dele Momodu have joined the opposition coalition led by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the 2027 elections. The All Progressives Congress (APC) has also attracted defectors, including Governors Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta) and the party’s 2023 vice-presidential candidate, Ifeanyi Okowa.

Amid the turbulence, PDP members loyal to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, have expressed dissatisfaction with the Umar Damagum-led National Working Committee, citing grievances over zonal leadership structures and micro-zoning arrangements. The group has threatened to challenge the convention legally if their concerns remain unaddressed.

Last week, however, Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, dismissed an ex parte motion filed by Wike’s allies seeking to halt the PDP’s leadership meetings and convention.

Reacting, Makinde—who chairs the National Convention Transportation Subcommittee—said, “The train has moved, and anyone trying to stop a moving train is courting political suicide. My advice is simple: don’t stand in the way of progress.”

He added that the party was unshaken by defections, noting that democracy thrives on resilience and competition. “We are not bothered by those leaving. Nigerians don’t want a one-party state—they want alternatives and that’s what the PDP stands for” Makinde stated.

Addressing questions about his rumored 2027 presidential ambition, Makinde said his priority was delivering a smooth and successful convention. “There must be a party before anyone can have an ambition” he said. “Right now, our focus is ensuring Oyo hosts the best PDP convention in history.”

Makinde urged members not to lose faith amid the party’s challenges, describing the defections as temporary turbulence. “When something lasting is being built, it often gets worse before it gets better. Don’t despair. The PDP has been the constant in Nigeria’s democracy since 1999—we’re not going anywhere” he said.

The governor reaffirmed his commitment to effective logistics for delegates and attendees, stressing that his subcommittee’s work was vital to the event’s success.

In his remarks, former Minister of Special Duties, Tanimu Turaki (SAN), co-chairman of the National Convention Committee, declared that the PDP was “on course to reclaim Aso Rock.”

National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, echoed the optimism, describing the PDP as the “only truly democratic and people-owned party” in Nigeria.

Efforts to reach Lere Olayinka, spokesperson to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, were unsuccessful at press time.