Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, stated that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is prepared to fix Nigeria and restore it to its former glory.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Board of Governors and the unveiling of the roadmap for the Peoples Democratic Institute (PDI), held at the PDP National Headquarters, Wadata Plaza, Abuja, on Thursday, Makinde emphasized that it is time for the PDP to provide genuine hope for Nigerians, who look to the party for an ideological foundation as the journey to 2027 begins.
The governor described the inauguration of the PDI Board of Governors and the unveiling of the PDI roadmap as steps toward defining the party’s ideology and establishing what the PDP wants to be remembered for.
Governor Makinde, who noted that he has greatly benefited since joining the PDP in 2019 and has enjoyed consecutive mandates, pledged not to betray the party. He also commended party members for setting aside their differences to revive the PDI, which was founded in 2001.
“A lot has been said about the PDI, its origins as explained by Governor Nwodo and others who have interacted with it. But I ask this: what do you want to be remembered for? This is a question every politician who has had the opportunity to serve in any capacity in our great nation should ask themselves, as players come and go. The landscape is dynamic, but we all want to leave a lasting impact.
“Today, with the inauguration of the PDI Board of Governors and the unveiling of the PDI roadmap by the DG, Dr. Edward Adie, the PDP takes a step closer to defining our party’s ideology and solidifying what we want to be remembered for. This is the essence and significance of today.
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“But let me pause to echo what Abba Moro said—since 1998, he has benefited from the PDP. Likewise, since 2019, I have benefited from the party. I want to thank our great party and all stakeholders here for granting me two back-to-back mandates under this umbrella.
“My only promise to you is that, since I have drawn from this well, I will not pollute it when it is time for me to leave. The journey to today has not been smooth, but I am grateful we overcame the obstacles along the way. I especially want to thank all party members who put aside grievances to help reestablish and revitalize the PDI.
“When PDI was first formed, it contributed positively to governance and served as a platform for strategic insights into national development. Looking back, we can refer to those 16 years of PDP governance as Nigeria’s golden years. We got debt forgiveness, engaged with the world, and Nigeria was not a pariah nation. But from 2015 onward, conditions have deteriorated. Today, we face economic instability and renewed challenges.
“As we approach 2027, it is clear that the PDP must offer real hope for Nigeria. By revitalizing the PDI, we are providing that hope. Nigerians are looking to the PDP to establish an ideological foundation. Senator Abba Moro rightly questioned if there’s a difference between the PDP and APC—PDI will serve as the differentiator.
“I believe we are on our way to distinguishing the PDP from other political parties in Nigeria. I am confident that the PDI Board of Governors, led by Ambassador Arapaja, understands this mission and will realize the goal of revitalizing the People’s Democratic Institute.
“My people would say that if a woman marries two old men, she will know the difference. Nigeria has seen both PDP and APC in government, and I believe they are ready to return to the PDP. The PDP is the only party in Nigeria that offers young people the opportunity to be part of a political institution, and I know that the PDI will expand this space.
“Although I’m getting older, I’m still youthful at heart, mind, and body. I will be part of the effort to ensure that young people are given opportunities in politics. This unveiling marks the PDP’s commitment to planning for governance and creating a blueprint to rebuild our nation.
“The PDP is capable of fixing Nigeria. We will restore PDP, and then PDP will restore Nigeria, providing real hope for the Nigerian people. When Nigeria’s history is written, you and I will be remembered as those who stood up to create a Nigerian dream, shaped by a clear political ideology crafted by the PDP through the PDI. So my question is, are you ready?”
Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, also urged members to work together for the success of the PDP, emphasizing that the party is bigger than any individual’s ambition.
“We’ve built this party on ideas, philosophies, and policies. Let us move away from building ideas on personal ambition. We cannot pursue ambition without a party, and we cannot have a party without ideas. This is the foundation that matters.
“Let us stop focusing on who will run for councillor, governor, or president in 2027. Instead, let us ask, what does the PDP stand for? What are the issues and policies that we must prioritize?
“This is what matters to us. This is what Nigerians want to know. This is what is important.”
