Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, has urged members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) not to lose hope over defections by governors and lawmakers.
Several prominent members of the opposition party have defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the African Democratic Party (ADC), ahead of the 2027 election.
Makinde made the rallying call in Abuja on Monday, at the inaugural meeting of the Transportation sub-committee of the National Convention Planning Committee.
The governor told members that although things may seem to be worsening, the PDP will soon be “back on track”.
“The news out there is that people are defecting, and governors are defecting. I have good news. It may appear that it’s getting worse,” he said.
“But usually, when you want something that will endure, it will usually get worse before it gets better.
“So, don’t even think for one moment that we will not be able to put this party back on track.
“From the beginning of this republic in 1999, PDP has always been a constant factor, either as a ruling party or the main opposition party from 2015. We are not going anywhere.
“When you hear news that certain people have defected, please, just hold your own corner for PDP, and this is the moment where new authentic heroes will be made. Not only for PDP, but for our country.
“So, this is not the time to despair at all. It is not the time to engage in self-doubt. This is the time to come out boldly and be counted.”
Makinde called on all stakeholders to prioritise collective progress over personal ambitions, adding that preparations are in top gear to ensure the national convention is held in November.
