Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, has described the current political developments within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as a difficult period for both the party and Nigeria’s democracy, following the defection of Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal.
Makinde made the remarks on Tuesday in Abuja during an expanded meeting of the PDP Board of Trustees (BoT), where he reflected on the changing political landscape and the implications for the party.
According to the governor, the present situation within the PDP represents one of the most challenging periods in Nigeria’s democratic history.
“It’s a challenging period for us as leaders and members of the People’s Democratic Party. It is also a challenging period for democracy in Nigeria,” Makinde said.
He noted that conversations with political stakeholders and observers who have followed Nigeria’s political development over the years indicate that the current environment is unprecedented.
“I have been talking to people of knowledge, people who have been involved in the political evolution of this country, and none of them have seen a political landscape like what we are witnessing today,” he stated.
Makinde also referred to the shrinking number of governors elected on the PDP platform following recent political realignments.
According to him, only two PDP governors remain in office, but he maintained that the party leadership is not discouraged by the situation.
“I can only say we are the only two remaining, but we are not bothered,” he said.
The governor urged party leaders and members to remain conscious of how their actions during the current political period would be judged by history.
“Whatever role we want to play as individuals and collectively as a party, we must be conscious of what history is going to record against or for us for this period,” Makinde added.
Despite the challenges, Makinde expressed optimism about the future of the party, quoting a biblical passage to emphasise hope.
“Weeping may endure for the night, but in the morning, joy cometh,” he said.
It would be recalled that Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal announced his resignation from the PDP on Monday, March 9, leaving Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State as the only governors elected on the platform of the party.
