Makinde Assures PDP of Justice, Describes Expelled Members as ‘Vagabonds’

….Says party has restored discipline after years of internal discord

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has expressed confidence that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will secure justice in court over the legal challenges facing the party.

The governor gave the assurance while speaking at the commissioning of the newly built PDP Secretariat at Oke-Ado, Ibadan, describing the judiciary as the last hope of the common man.
Makinde said although falsehood could persist for years, the truth would eventually prevail.

He noted that he has absolute trust in Nigeria’s judicial system and believes that all pending court cases involving the PDP would ultimately be resolved in the party’s favour.

Reflecting on the internal crisis within the PDP, the governor traced the party’s challenges to the period after it lost power at the federal level in 2015.

According to him, the leadership vacuum at the time created room for indiscipline and internal discord within the party.

Using a cultural analogy, Makinde criticized some former leaders and expelled members of the party, including figures linked to the ongoing political rift, describing their actions as disruptive to the peace and unity of the PDP.

He said the party took decisive steps in November 2025 by expelling such members in order to restore order and discipline.

The governor also admitted that he once worked closely with some of those individuals after assuming office in 2019 but stated that he has since distanced himself from them.

He emphasized that the PDP would not be allowed to fall under the influence of any individual or be weakened for the benefit of another political party.

Makinde reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening the PDP and ensuring its stability ahead of future political engagements.

Earlier in his remarks, The Chairman Oyo State People’s Democratic party (PDP), Hon. Dayo Ogungbenro called on party members across the state to intensify their commitment and loyalty ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He noted that such commitment places a responsibility on party members to reciprocate the gesture through unity, hard work, and electoral preparedness.

According to him, the PDP must remain focused and proactive to ensure its continued presence and success on the ballot in the 2027 elections.

Ogungbenro stressed that politics should not be viewed as a battle but as a democratic process that allows citizens to periodically express their choices through elections.

He explained that elections in Nigeria are constitutionally held every four years, giving the electorate the opportunity to either renew the mandate of a ruling party or vote it out, as seen in previous election cycles in Oyo State.

The PDP Chairman expressed optimism that the party would once again secure victory in 2027, attributing his confidence to the continued support of the electorate and what would described as divine grace.

At the event, the governor announced that the newly commissioned PDP Secretariat has been named after a former Chairman of the Oyo State PDP, Alhaji Omokunmi Mustapha, in recognition of his contributions to the party.

He also formally handed over the documents of the building to the National Chairman of the PDP, Alhaji Tanimu Turaki, marking the official takeover of the party house.

The commissioning ceremony was attended by the Former Governor of Kano State, Ibrahim Shekarau, the National Chairman PDP, Tanimu Turaki, The deputy Chairman PDP South, Taofeek Arapaja, The Chairman PDP South-West, Kamorudeen Ajisafe and party leaders, stakeholders, and supporters from within and outside Oyo State.