As the Olagunsoye Oyinlola-led Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Reconciliation Committee wraps up its work in the Southwest, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has called on the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party to implement the committee’s recommendations.
He emphasised that doing so is crucial for strengthening the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Governor Makinde made this statement during a briefing with reporters at the Agodi Government House in Ibadan, following the committee’s conclusion of its assignment in Ibadan.
He warned that failing to act on the recommendations could render the committee’s efforts futile, potentially reverting the party to “square one.”
Represented by his deputy, Bayo Lawal, the governor highlighted the importance of unity and collective effort within the party to achieve the committee’s primary objectives.
He commended the national leadership of the PDP for establishing a reconciliation committee composed of esteemed leaders with extensive political experience.
Makinde expressed optimism that the committee, chaired by former two-term governors Olagunsoye Oyinlola and Ibrahim Dankwambo, would produce recommendations that would help fortify the party and prepare it for future elections.
He noted that the challenges facing the party vary by state and stressed the necessity for the national body to ensure comprehensive implementation of the committee’s findings to avoid setbacks in the party’s restructuring efforts.
“There are no words that can fully capture the sacrifices you’ve made for the party’s progress. Only the Almighty can reward you, and that reward will come when your work bears fruit.”
He urged the NWC, the Board of Trustees, and all party elders to take the committee’s recommendations seriously to prevent a return to prior issues.
During his address, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, chairman of the PDP national reconciliation committee, explained that the committee’s mandate was to assess the party’s health, engage stakeholders, and reconcile aggrieved members to enhance party cohesion.
He lamented the party’s declining fortunes, attributing this to internal conflicts and primordial sentiments that have hindered growth, despite the PDP’s extensive reach across the country.
Oyinlola announced that the committee would now move to the South-South region, expressing hope that other areas would follow the South West’s example in cooperating with the committee.
In response to questions from the press, Oyinlola noted that internal issues, particularly related to political interests and congress matters, continue to challenge the party. He reflected on previous efforts to address these issues, highlighting the importance of unity for the party’s success.
Oyinlola expressed satisfaction at the unity displayed by PDP leaders in Oyo State, viewing it as a significant improvement from previous reconciliation efforts.
Among those present at the briefing were former Abia State Deputy Governor, Hon. Ude Oko Chukwu; Mr. Rahman Owokoniran; former Bayelsa State House of Assembly Speaker, Hon. (Dr) Boyelatefa Debekeme, and Mr. Emma Ogidi.
Oyo State representatives included, Senator Monsurat Sunmonu, Dr. Saka Balogun, Elder Wole Oyelese, Chief Mutiat Ladoja, Barrister Hazeem Gbolarumi, and other key PDP stakeholders.
