There is hunger in the land, and it is those suffering from that hunger who will determine what the 2027 elections look like.
Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, has declared that the outcome of the 2027 general elections will be shaped not by the recent wave of political defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), but by the pressing hardships and hunger faced by ordinary Nigerians.
Governor Makinde made this assertion on Wednesday during the official inauguration of the newly elected Southwest Zonal Executive Committee of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), held at the Soji Adagunodo House in Ibadan.
Speaking to party members and stakeholders, Makinde emphasized that the suffering of Nigerians, particularly the widespread hunger, would ultimately be the driving force behind electoral decisions in 2027. He dismissed concerns over the defection of some political figures, including governors, to the APC.
“People keep asking what the future holds for our party with all the recent defections. They want to know where PDP is headed,” Makinde said. “But I tell them—we won’t be concerned until hunger itself defects to the APC. Until then, we will remain focused on the people. There is hunger in the land, and it is those suffering from that hunger who will determine what the 2027 elections look like.”
He added, “Let whoever wants to defect do so. We will remain with the people of Nigeria.”
Makinde also countered the criticism that the PDP is reliant on influential individuals rather than institutional strength. He recalled that despite internal crises, the party managed to reclaim power in Oyo State.
“I remember reading an article around 2017 that detailed PDP’s challenges in Oyo State. Yet, in the face of that adversity, we still won the gubernatorial election. Today, we’re inaugurating the South West PDP executive—how much more institutional strength do people want?” he said.
He argued that the PDP remains the most institutionally grounded political party in Nigeria. “Since the beginning of this administration, the APC has only managed to hold one National Executive Council (NEC) meeting. In contrast, PDP is preparing for its 300th NEC meeting. That speaks volumes.”
He further criticized the APC for failing to conduct its Congress in the Southwest, suggesting the party lacks the organizational structure and consistency that defines the PDP.
“As PDP leaders, our mission is to strengthen our institutions even further. Come 2027, the real contest will not be APC versus PDP—it will be APC versus the hungry people of Nigeria,” Makinde reiterated.
He thanked party faithful for their loyalty and dedication, noting that their commitment is what sustains the PDP. “There are more opportunities coming with the National Convention ahead. Be assured that your sacrifices won’t go unnoticed, and God will reward your loyalty.”
In support, Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, urged members to actively pursue reconciliation and peace-building efforts across Southwest states to unite aggrieved members and strengthen the party’s base.
Also speaking, the newly inaugurated PDP National Vice Chairman (Southwest), Engr. Kamorudeen Ajisafe, pledged to work closely with state chairmen to promote unity and reconciliation. He affirmed that efforts to secure more governorship and legislative seats would be a top priority, with the Southwest playing a central role in the 2027 presidential campaign.
In his goodwill message, Chief Ladi Adebutu, the PDP gubernatorial candidate in Ogun State during the 2023 elections, praised Governors Makinde and Adeleke for their leadership, which led to a peaceful and credible zonal election. He encouraged party members to rally behind the new leadership and work collectively for the progress of the region.
The inauguration ceremony drew PDP leaders and stakeholders from across the six Southwest states, reinforcing the party’s unity and determination ahead of the next electoral cycle.