Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has declared that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) remains united and politically relevant, dismissing claims that the party is in decline ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Makinde spoke on Friday at the PDP South-West Stakeholders’ Meeting held in Abeokuta, Ogun State, where he told party leaders and supporters that the PDP was “well and alive” and ready to challenge its critics.

The meeting drew prominent PDP figures from across the South-West, including Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Ondo, Osun and Ekiti states. Among those in attendance were Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Debo Ogundoyin; PDP members of the House of Representatives from Oyo State; former Osun State Governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola; the party’s National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, who was represented by the Deputy National Chairman (South), Taofeek Arapaja; South-West PDP Chairman, Kamorudeen Ajisafe; and former Ogun governorship candidate, Hon. Ladi Adebutu.

Addressing the gathering, Makinde said the large turnout and recent inflow of new members into the party had proven wrong those who believed the PDP was finished.

“I can assure you that the PDP is well and alive. Whoever thinks otherwise will be surprised beyond their imagination,” he said.

The governor urged party leaders to focus on grassroots mobilisation, stressing the importance of consolidating party structures at the community level.

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“My charge to you is to hold your communities, hold your wards and hold your local governments. If we do this, it will be well with us,” he added.

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Makinde also appealed for loyalty and unity among party members, expressing confidence that the PDP would emerge stronger in future elections.

In his remarks, Adebutu said the party had demonstrated resilience despite political challenges, insisting that the PDP remained cohesive nationwide.

“Let us remain firm in the PDP. We now have structures from the ward level to the national level, so we have nothing to fear,” he said.

Adebutu encouraged PDP members in Ogun State to stay committed and optimistic about the party’s prospects in 2027, describing the coming years as a period of renewed hope.

He also urged party supporters to register and collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), which he described as essential tools for achieving political change.

The meeting also featured defections into the PDP, including members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from Ijebu North Local Government Area led by Hon. Akorede Fowosere, as well as members of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) from Ogun East Senatorial District led by Alhaji Wasiu Ajirotutu.