Makinde, Adeleke Lead PDP Southwest Meeting, as Party Jettisons Coalition Talks

The South West Zonal Caucus of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has declared its “unwavering loyalty” to the party and dismissed reports of involvement in any coalition, urging members to remain united ahead of the 2027 elections.

The resolution was part of a 10-point communiqué issued after a crucial meeting held on Friday, 11th July 2025, at the PDP Zonal Secretariat in Ibadan, Oyo State.

In a strong statement of solidarity, the caucus resolved that, “The PDP in South West is intact and urges all organs and relevant bodies of the party to remain focused and continue to work assiduously towards the successful conduct of the scheduled National Convention.”

The meeting, attended by key leaders including Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, emphasised the need to strengthen the party’s position in the region and nationally.

The caucus explicitly distanced itself from speculation about alliances with other political groups, stating: “We are not part of the reported coalition and urge all members of the PDP to remain united, steadfast, and continue to stand behind our leaders in the zone.”

However, it expressed support for the National Working Committee’s (NWC) stance on collaboration, noting: “Our party remains open to working with other well-meaning, like-minded citizens in the collective effort to rescue our nation from the stranglehold of the All Progressives Congress (APC).”

The communiqué also commended Governors Makinde and Adeleke for their leadership, describing their efforts as “untiring roles in ensuring the stability and growth of the PDP as the prominent political party in the South West.”

It further praised their governance, citing “people-oriented leadership in ensuring peace, stability, security, and infrastructural development” across the zone.

On electoral strategy, the caucus resolved to “intensify efforts” to secure victory in upcoming bye-elections in Oyo and Ogun States, as well as the local government polls in Lagos. Expressing confidence, it declared: “The PDP, as a party of choice in the South West and Nigeria at large, will record sweeping victory in the coming elections.”

A major point of contention raised was the withholding of Osun State’s local government allocations by the federal government, which the caucus condemned as “unconstitutional, unwarranted, and a violation of the rights and wellbeing of the people of Osun State.”

It demanded the immediate release of the funds, framing the action as part of broader grievances against the APC-led administration.

The statement also took aim at the ruling party over Nigeria’s worsening economic and security challenges, echoing Governor Makinde’s recent declaration that “the 2027 election will be between Nigerians and the APC, with Nigerians ultimately triumphing under the banner of the PDP.”

The caucus urged citizens not to lose hope, stating: “Nigerians should remain resolute and continue to rally with the PDP as our party leads the charge to rescue our nation from the misrule of the APC.”

Presented by Chief Sanya Atofarati, the Southwest Zonal Publicity Secretary, the communiqué struck a tone of defiance and optimism, positioning the PDP as the alternative to the current administration.