Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has dismissed speculations that he was planning to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), assuring members that the party will participate fully in the 2027 general elections.

Meanwhile, former Deputy National Chairman of PDP, Bode George, has dismissed calls by some party stakeholders for reconciliation with the faction loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, as a condition for the party’s participation in the 2027 general elections.

Also, Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, yesterday, dismissed speculations that the All Progressives Congress (APC) has adopted a consensus gubernatorial candidate for Oyo State ahead of the 2027 elections.

Makinde also declared that the PDP would field candidates for all elective positions, despite rumours of possible defections and internal uncertainties within the party.

He gave the assurance on Monday night during a stakeholders’ meeting attended by party leaders from the state’s 33 local councils, where key decisions were taken to strengthen unity ahead of the next electoral cycle.

At the meeting, party stakeholders resolved to adopt consensus candidates in areas operating rotational arrangements, while automatic tickets would be granted to certain categories of lawmakers as part of efforts to maintain cohesion within the party.

The governor’s declaration is widely seen as a move to dispel rumours suggesting that elements within the PDP leadership in Oyo were considering defection to another political platform ahead of the 2027 polls.

According to sources at the meeting, Makinde reaffirmed his loyalty to the PDP, insisting that predictions about the party’s collapse were unfounded.

Emphasising the need for unity, Makinde urged party leaders and stakeholders to close ranks and adopt consensus-building approaches in resolving internal differences ahead of the elections. He directed leaders across the zones to initiate consultations to foster cohesion and ensure a common front.

“They want to take Oyo at all costs, but it is our responsibility to ensure we bend our rules where necessary to accommodate one another,” he said. “This is not just about 2027; it is about the future of democracy and generations to come. Nothing good comes easy. Success requires resilience and collective effort. Can we fight through this? Yes. Can we win? Absolutely,” he declared.

Adelabu's position follows reports suggesting that party leaders had settled for preferred candidates in Oyo, Lagos, and Ogun states as part of early preparations for the next general elections.

Reacting to the development, Adelabu, who is a governorship aspirant in Oyo, maintained that no such decision had been taken by the party. He spoke through his Special Adviser on Strategic Communication and Media Relations, Bolaji Tunji.

At a time like this, especially when the contest is drawing closer, there will be speculation. That is normal in politics. My principal has not withdrawn from the race. People will always try to push narratives to gain relevance or create confusion,” he said. (The Guardian)