Oyo State Deputy Governor, Barr. Abdul-Raheem Adebayo Lawal, has emphasised the enduring strength of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) amidst the party internal crisis, stating it is the oldest political party in Nigeria and possesses deep roots that will allow it to overcome any challenges.

Speaking at a New Year gathering hosted at his Irepo Local Government Area residence on Thursday, the Deputy Governor reiterated the party’s unity and loyalty to Governor Engr. Seyi Makinde.

The event brought together PDP leaders and stakeholders from the Oke-ogun zone, including PDP Board of Trustees (BoT) member Engr. Hamid Gbadamosi, along with current and former political officeholders.

Barr. Lawal praised the governor’s efforts in developing Oke Ogun and Oyo State, urging party members to reciprocate in the 2027 general election. He encouraged PDP members to increase party membership, assuring that those who had left would return as the party’s strength grows.

The Deputy Governor expressed confidence in the party’s victory in the 2027 elections. He also acknowledged Governor Makinde’s appointments of Oke-Ogun indigenes to key positions, highlighting the governor’s infrastructure initiatives in the zone.

He noted that the gathering, marking the first day of 2026, was crucial for discussing recent party developments, stressing that the PDP, established in 1998, would endure internal crises, as other parties also face challenges.

Drawing on his experience, Barr. Lawal, who has moved between parties like AD, AC, and Accord, affirmed that the PDP is the only party capable of challenging the ruling APC. He highlighted the PDP’s success after his defection from Accord, alongside former Oyo State governor Rashid Ladoja, emphasizing the party’s strong foundation in Nigeria.

He cautioned those who left the PDP for selfish reasons, predicting they would face regret, and noted the party’s growing strength with new members.

According to Barr. Lawal, the current administration still has sixteen months remaining to govern, and the PDP is poised to win the upcoming election.

He thanked PDP leaders and stakeholders from various local government areas for their presence, acknowledging the challenges of traveling on the Igbope road. He later announced that Governor Seyi Makinde had awarded the Kishi Igboho road project, with construction set to begin, promising its completion within a year.

“I want to thank everyone from Iwajowa, Kajola, Itesiwaju, Iseyin, Saki West, Saki East, Atisbo, Oorelope, Olorunsogo, and Irepo for joining us to celebrate with us. I know the Igbope road was a bit rough, so I pray you all have a safe trip back home.

“But I’ve got good news. The Kishi-Igboho road has been awarded by Governor Seyi Makinde, and contractors are already on site. I’ll be checking out the progress tomorrow, and I’m confident it’ll be done by this time next year. The governor’s also working on Agbonle road and others – kudos to this administration for prioritizing road connectivity across all federal constituencies”, Barr. Lawal said.

Earlier in his welcome address, the chairman of Irepo Local Government Area, Hon. TT Taoheed, said the 2026 party was attended by representatives of the ten local governments in Oke-ogun zone, noting that the party is united in the zone and will be victorious in the forthcoming 2027 general elections.

In his speech at the gathering, Engineer Hamid Gbadamosi, member of PDP Board of Trustees, however commended the Deputy Governor and his wife for organizing the second edition of the new year party.

He also commended the party members for their resolute standing behind the party amidst the ongoing internal crisis, stressing that the party is in safe hands as Governor Makinde and other leaders will ensure victory ahead of the 2027 general election.

“PDP is not dead and cannot die. Once more, I thank you all for standing for truth and behind the party. Since Governor Makinde is at the helms of affairs, I can assure you that the party will deliver in 2027 and remain the only party with grassroots across states in Nigeria,” he said.

In their separate goodwill messages, Mama Arewa, Micheal Adegbite, Hon. Okuwakemi Waheed, and others stressed the need for unity in PDP. They prayed for God’s guidance for Governor Makinde and his deputy in leading the state to victory in the forthcoming 2027 general election.

Adegbite however advised party leaders to keep members informed of developments amidst the growing national internal crisis for members to remain formidable.

On his part, Professor Soliu Adelabu, commissioner for establishment and training, said those who have left the party after benefiting from it would soon regret their decision.

He noted that in unity lies strength, maintaining that loyal party members are the real core owners of PDP while assuring them that the party will be victorious in the 2027 general election. He also commended the efforts of the Oyo Deputy Governor in uniting party members in the Oke-ogun zone, appreciating members for their massive turnout to mark the 2026 new year at his Kishi residence.

One of the youth representatives, Seyi Olarewaju, Youth leader Saki West Local Government Area, said that come 2027, PDP will emerge victorious as many who have left the party in the zone are already finding their way back to the PDP in Saki West and other zones in the state.

An elder of the party, Lamidi Kukukan, and a woman representative from Iseyin local government area, Iya Afin Olori Oyebola Latifat, said PDP belongs to everyone, urging party members to be more united ahead of the 2027 general elections.

While reiterating that PDP will never die, Oyebola Latifat stressed that Governor Makinde and his deputy are good leaders who want the best for the party members. She advised members to always attend meetings and be informed of what is happening in their various wards before the 2027 general election.

The Iseyin women leader however called for a 50-50 women inclusion in leadership positions, maintaining that their contributions to the party are significant, particularly during electioneering periods.

Among other party leaders in attendance were Senatorial Chairman, Hon. Adekunle Yusuf; Executive Council Chairmen, Alhaji Siju Lawal; former House majority leader, and a host of others. (Nigerian Tribune)