Seyi Makinde, governor of Oyo State, says the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is currently facing a difficult period following the defection of Dauda Lawal from the party.
Lawal on Monday announced his resignation from the PDP, leaving Makinde and Bala Mohammed as the only governors elected on the platform of the party.
Speaking on Tuesday in Abuja during an expanded meeting of the PDP Board of Trustees (BoT), Makinde described the development as a challenging moment for both the party and Nigeria’s democracy.
“It is a challenging period for us as leaders and members of the Peoples Democratic Party. It is also a challenging time for democracy in Nigeria,” he said.
Makinde added that discussions with political actors and observers suggest that the country’s current political climate is unusual.
“I have been speaking with people who are knowledgeable and have been involved in the political evolution of this country, and none of them has seen a political landscape like what we are witnessing today,” he said.
“I can only say we are only two remaining, but we are not bothered.”
The governor noted that leaders of the party must remain mindful of how history will judge their actions during the current political situation.
“Whatever role we choose to play as individuals and collectively as a party, we must be conscious of what history will record for or against us during this period,” he said.
Despite the setback, Makinde expressed optimism that the party would overcome the challenges.
“Weeping may endure for the night, but joy comes in the morning,” he added.
