Nigerians Don’t Want One-party State, Says Makinde

IBADAN: Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has said that Nigerians do not want a one-party system.

The governor said this on Friday during a visit by the National Working Committee members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The visit was to commiserate with the governor on the death of 35 children during a stampede and to present the new National Secretary of the party, Rt. Hon. SKE Udeh-Okoye, to him.

According to the governor, Nigerians want a situation where they will be able to kick out non-performing leaders, adding that this would only be possible if there were alternatives.

The governor said, “The leaders in the party and members of the NWC came to commiserate with us on the unfortunate incident that happened towards the end of last year. Because of that, I canceled my birthday celebration. Even though it was belated, they still felt they should come and wish me well at the beginning of the New Year.

“Yes, this New Year has allowed us to talk about happenings within our party, especially the issues surrounding the rule of law.

“There is a court pronouncement on the issue of the National Secretary. My position was clear from day one and I will always follow the rule of law. This is the new National Secretary by court pronouncement. I said without mincing words that we would stay on the side of the law.

“We deliberated a little bit on what are the things ahead of us. 2025 is going to be a pivotal year for us as a party.

“Four years ago, I was the secretary of the Convention Planning Committee that midwived this NWC, and four years after, we have to conduct the exercise again.

“We do know that Nigerians are waiting for the PDP to get its acts together. You can see how united the members of the NWC of our party are. There is no faction and this will give a headache to some people.

“Well, this is the beginning of a lot of good things to come in terms of party administration and commitment. I heard good things from these leaders; things that I was not even thinking deeply about.

“One of them said to us that there should not be any sacrifice that would be too big to make in the interest of our party and the interest of Nigerians. We are looking forward to not a one-party state.

Nigerians don’t want a one-party state. They want alternatives. They want to be able to kick people out if they are not delivering on their promises.

“So, there is commitment to ensure that Nigeria does not slide into a one-party state.”

Speaking earlier on behalf of the NWC members, the new National Secretary of the PDP, Udeh-Okoye, commiserated with the government and people of Oyo State on the unfortunate stampede that resulted in death.

He said, “We commiserate with Oyo State people through the governor and our wonderful leader.

“We also want to appeal to the families that lost their loved ones to bear it, having it in mind that it was the will of God that they should go through that channel.

“We also want to say that we, in the PDP, are one. And when one cries, the other one also joins. And Oyo State being a PDP state, we are mourning with the state and we commiserate with the affected families and Oyo State at large.

“As the new Secretary, I am bringing unity and cohesion on board. I am going to make sure that from this year onward, the party will function effectively well as the leading opposition party in Nigeria.

“And by the grace of God, by 2027, we will take over Nigeria and give Nigerians the good governance they desire.

“I know that Nigerians are waiting for us. Very soon, you will see the majority of them, including members of the ruling party coming back to the PDP.”

The NWC members in attendance include Amb. Taofeek Arapaja, Deputy National Chairman; ⁠Hon. Mrs Amina Bryhm, National Women Leader; Kamaldeen Ajibade SAN, National Legal Adviser; Hon. Setonji Koshoedo, Deputy National Secretary.

Also in attendance were Alhaji Ahmed Yayari, National Treasurer; Obi Okechukwu, National Auditor; Hon. Barr. Debo Ologunagba, National Publicity Secretary; Dr Woyengikuro Daniel, National Financial Secretary; Dr. Bovoa Emmanuel, National Vice Chairman PDP North-East and High Chief Ali Odefa, National Vice Chairman PDP South-East.