2027 Will Be Decided by Hungry Nigerians, Not Political Realignments – Makinde

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has issued a scathing message to politicians defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC), asserting that the 2027 general elections will be determined not by elite political maneuvering, but by the everyday struggles of ordinary Nigerians.

Speaking on Wednesday at the inauguration of the newly elected Southwest Zonal executive members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) at the Soji Adagunodo House in Ibadan, Makinde declared that widespread hardship—not defections—will shape the next electoral outcome.

“People keep asking us about the wave of defections—governors switching sides, party members jumping ship. They want to know what’s next for our party,” Makinde said. “My response is simple: we won’t be alarmed until hunger itself decamps to the APC.”

He continued, “The moment hunger crosses over to the ruling party, they should inform us—then we’ll know we have a real issue. Right now, hunger is everywhere, and it’s the hungry majority who will decide what 2027 looks like.”

Makinde urged PDP members not to be distracted by the exodus of political heavyweights, reiterating that the party’s foundation rests on public support, not elite alliances.

“Let whoever wants to decamp do so. We will remain with the Nigerian people,” he affirmed.

Responding to claims that the PDP builds individuals rather than institutions, the governor highlighted the party’s endurance and organizational structure, contrasting it with the APC’s internal disarray.

“Despite losing power at the federal level in 2015, the PDP has survived and remained active. Today, we are inaugurating zonal executives. Meanwhile, the APC has yet to hold its Southwest congress. They’ve only had one NEC meeting since this administration took over. The PDP is preparing for its 300th NEC meeting. That’s the difference between us and them,” Makinde noted.

He also reassured party loyalists that their dedication would not go unrewarded, promising that future appointments and responsibilities within the party would reflect their commitment.

Makinde ended with a rousing statement:
“2027 won’t be APC versus PDP. It will be APC versus the hungry people of Nigeria.”