Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has expressed strong confidence that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will ultimately secure justice in court over the legal challenges confronting the party across the country.
Makinde also declared that he would not allow “vagabonds” to hijack the PDP in Oyo State or weaken its chances of retaining power.
The governor spoke during the commissioning of the newly constructed PDP Secretariat at Oke-Ado in Ibadan, where he described the judiciary as the last hope of the common man and expressed unwavering faith in Nigeria’s judicial system.
According to him, while falsehood could persist for a long time, truth would eventually prevail. He said he was convinced that justice would be served in favour of the PDP.
“I believe strongly in the judiciary. At the end of the day, justice will be done, and the PDP will get justice,” Makinde said.
The governor warned that he and other loyal members of the party would firmly resist any attempt by disgruntled elements to destabilise the PDP for selfish interests or create an opening for another political party to take over power in Oyo State.
Reflecting on past political associations, Makinde admitted that he once worked closely with some of the individuals now opposed to the party but noted that he had since severed ties with them.
Drawing from a Yoruba proverb, he said a seemingly peaceful household only appears so because the “vagabond” has not yet grown, adding that those he described as vagabonds within the PDP had their time and were eventually expelled from the party in November 2025.
“The vagabonds in PDP grew up in 2015 and had their time. For about 10 years, they practised their vagabondism in the PDP. But they were expelled in November 2025. So, there are no more vagabonds in the PDP,” he stated.
Makinde further said he once shared close personal ties with them but had since repented and moved on.
He maintained that the PDP remains the authentic platform for progressive governance in Oyo State, stressing that internal disagreements would not be allowed to distract the party from its commitment to good governance.
In his remarks, the Oyo State PDP Chairman, Dayo Ogungbenro, urged party members to deepen their loyalty and commitment ahead of the 2027 general elections, noting that unity and hard work were essential for electoral success.
Ogungbenro expressed optimism that the PDP would emerge victorious in 2027, attributing his confidence to sustained public support and divine grace.
At the event, Makinde announced that the newly commissioned PDP Secretariat was named after a former state chairman of the party, Omokunmi Mustapha, in recognition of his contributions.
He also formally handed over the building documents to a factional national chairman of PDP, Tanimu Turaki, marking the official takeover of the party house.
The ceremony was attended by prominent party leaders, including former Kano State Governor Ibrahim Shekarau, PDP Deputy National Chairman (South) Taofeek Arapaja, as well as other stakeholders from within and outside Oyo State.