Makinde Warns: Trying to Stop PDP Convention Is ‘Political Suicide’

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has told those plotting to disrupt the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Convention in Ibadan to think again — warning that stopping “a moving train” would be political suicide.

Makinde, who spoke in Abuja after inaugurating the party’s Transportation Subcommittee, said Oyo State was ready to deliver the most organised convention in PDP history. The two-day event holds November 15–16, even as the party battles defections and internal wrangling.

In recent weeks, several PDP heavyweights — including Atiku Abubakar, David Mark, and Dele Momodu — have aligned with an ADC-led opposition coalition ahead of 2027. Meanwhile, the APC has gained converts such as Governors Umo Eno, Sheriff Oborevwori, and ex-VP candidate Ifeanyi Okowa, with reports hinting that Peter Mbah and Douye Diri might follow.

Tension also lingers among allies of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, who accuse the Umar Damagum-led NWC of unfair zoning and leadership decisions. They even sought a court order to halt the convention, but Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court refused, clearing the way for the event.

Unbothered, Makinde — who chairs the transport committee — said the PDP would go ahead. “Whoever tries to stop this train is committing suicide,” he declared. “We’re not distracted by defections. Nigerians don’t want a one-party state; they’ll decide who leads them.”

On talk of a 2027 presidential ambition, Makinde laughed it off, insisting his focus was on hosting “the best convention ever.”

He urged members to stay calm, calling the party’s current storm “a necessary phase before renewal.” The governor reminded them he once served as secretary of the 2021 Convention Committee and described logistics as “the backbone of success.”

Backing him, Tanimu Turaki (SAN) and Debo Ologunagba said the PDP remains the most democratic platform in Nigeria — confident that the Ibadan convention will mark the start of its journey back to Aso Rock in 2027.

Written by The Gild Blog Team