PDP Not Bothered Despite Having Only Two Governors Left – Governor Seyi Makinde Speaks Out

Moses Ogeodo March 11, 2026

In a bold statement that has sparked fresh conversations about the future of Nigeria’s main opposition party, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has declared that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is not worried about its dwindling numbers.

Speaking on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at an expanded meeting of the PDP Board of Trustees (BoT) in Abuja, Governor Makinde addressed the party’s ongoing crisis head-on.

The Current State of the PDP

The announcement comes at a staggering turning point for the party. Just a day prior, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal announced his resignation from the PDP. This departure leaves only Governor Seyi Makinde (Oyo) and Governor Bala Mohammed (Bauchi) as the party’s remaining state governors.

For a party that once dominated Nigerian politics with 28 governors at its peak, the presence in the State Houses has shrunk dramatically. Yet, Makinde’s message remained one of defiance rather than defeat.

“It’s a challenging period for us as leaders and members of the Peoples Democratic Party. It is also a challenging period for democracy in Nigeria,” he stated. “I have been speaking with people who have been involved in the political evolution of this country. And none of them have seen a political landscape like what we are witnessing today. I can only say, we are only two remaining, but we are not bothered.”

“We Are on the Side of the People” – Makinde’s Message of Hope

The Oyo governor expressed strong confidence that the current political storm will pass. He urged party members to remain steadfast and consider their long-term legacy:

Historical Judgment: Makinde urged members to think about how history will record their actions during this crisis.
Resilience: He reminded the BoT that "this period will also go away. It will pass away."
Commitment: He emphasized that when the story of Nigerian democracy is eventually told, the loyalists will be found "on the side of the people."

BoT Weighs In: Time to Reorganize

Former Senate President Adolphus Wabara, who also attended the meeting, echoed the need for a serious strategic pivot. He pointed to a recent Appeal Court judgment as a fresh opportunity for the PDP to “begin again,” provided the party adheres strictly to its internal constitution and the rule of law.

“The meeting was not for speech-making, but a day we have to be very serious with the decisions we are going to arrive at,” Wabara noted. “We obey the Constitution. We must work in accordance with the Constitution. And you can never go wrong if you abide by the Constitution and the rule of law.”

What This Means for Nigerian Politics

Governor Makinde’s remarks come at a critical time as analysts question the PDP’s survival. While critics view the mass defections as a sign of imminent collapse, Makinde is framing the situation as a test of character—one that he believes loyal members will emerge from stronger.

The real question for Nigerians watching from the sidelines is whether the party can turn this "challenging period" into a successful comeback story or if the oldest opposition party is reaching its final chapter.

What do you think? Is the PDP truly "unbothered," or is this simply brave talk in the face of a crisis? Drop your thoughts in the comment section below!

Source: Vanguard Newspaper (March 10, 2026)

Politics