The Governor of Seyi Makinde has affirmed that the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) congress held in November 2025 in Oyo State remains valid and that the party will maintain an active presence in forthcoming elections, including the 2027 general polls.
The governor, who is also a leading figure in the party’s organisational structure, made the remarks in Ibadan as internal disputes continue within the national opposition party.
Makinde’s statement came amid ongoing legal and organisational contests over leadership and congresses in the PDP.
The congress he referenced was held as part of the party’s process to select and install state officers in line with internal regulations and ahead of the broader national electoral cycle.
At a public engagement in Ibadan, Makinde said the outcome of the November congress should be recognised by party members and stakeholders, reiterating that the exercise reflected the will of delegates and the party’s organisational rules.
He also stated that the PDP intended to be present on the ballot in the 2027 elections, signalling the party’s commitment to competitive participation across the federation.
The PDP has been embroiled in internal disputes over leadership and congresses since late 2025, following national and state events that produced conflicting positions on the legitimacy of certain meetings.
Some factions within the party have contested the validity of congresses held in certain states, including Oyo, citing court orders and competing party organs.
Legal actions and divergence among party leaders have generated public attention and commentary from stakeholders.
Makinde’s reaffirmation of the Oyo congress’s validity adds to a series of public statements by prominent PDP members emphasising party organisation and electoral preparedness.
His remarks are situated against broader efforts by party leaders to consolidate structures ahead of the 2027 general elections, which include presidential, gubernatorial, legislative and other contests across Nigeria.
During the remarks in Ibadan, Governor Makinde stated that the November congress in Oyo State represented a credible and legitimate process within the PDP’s internal framework.
He underscored that the exercise affirmed the party’s organisational momentum and readiness to engage electorally.
Makinde also emphasised that, notwithstanding internal disagreements in some quarters of the party, the PDP would ensure its presence on ballots during the 2027 general election cycle.
He spoke to reporters and party members present, urging unity and continued engagement with party structures at all levels.
The PDP has faced a series of legal challenges relating to its national and state congresses, with courts rendering conflicting judgments on certain conventions and leadership recognition.
Some factions within the party have relied on judicial rulings to challenge the legitimacy of congress outcomes, while others have proceeded with internal electoral exercises subject to competing interpretations of party rules and court directives.
Despite these conditions, Makinde’s position reinforces the argument that the Oyo congress remains valid and that the PDP is positioning itself for electoral participation.
Affirmations of congress outcomes and leadership structures within major political parties are significant as Nigeria approaches the 2027 elections.
Parties are expected to present candidates for various elective offices, and clarity on internal organisational legitimacy is often considered important for campaign planning, voter mobilisation, and electoral strategy.
Makinde’s commitment to the PDP’s presence on the ballot underscores the party’s intention to contest widely and engage voters in the electoral process, even amid internal debates over organisational issues.
