Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has dismissed the opposition of former Rivers governor Nyesom Wike to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national convention slated for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, insisting that the party is concentrating on rebuilding unity and credibility.
Makinde, speaking to journalists after the PDP Southern Zonal Consultative Meeting in Lagos, said he would not be drawn into personal attacks, stressing that the focus should remain on strengthening the party. “Personally, when people go low, or they go into the gutters, I don’t go with them,” he remarked.
The Lagos gathering, tagged PDP Southern Zoning Consultative Summit, was attended by Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, Enugu State Deputy Governor Ifeanyi Ossai, Board of Trustees Chairman Senator Adolphus Wabara, Senator Ben Obi, and several party heavyweights, including Chief Olabode George, former governors Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Sam Egwu, and Udom Emmanuel.
Makinde confirmed that the meeting considered zoning matters, but noted that the outcome would be communicated to the party’s National Executive Council (NEC), which is scheduled to meet on Monday.
He maintained that the PDP was alive and capable of presenting itself as a credible alternative to the ruling APC. “I can disagree with people, but there shouldn’t be anything personal here. It should be about what we are giving Nigerians because they are watching,” he said.
Highlighting recent electoral showings, Makinde pointed out that PDP came second in 12 states, calling it a signal that with unity and hard work, the party could regain national relevance.
“If we continue to work hard, to strive hard, and bring our people together, we’ll get to a point where Nigerians will really start listening to us,” Makinde said.
