Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has firmly stated that he will not stoop to political mudslinging, amid rising tensions within his party.
Speaking to journalists after the South-West zoning consultative summit of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos on Thursday, Makinde asserted that personal attacks have no place in democratic discourse.
“When people sink into the gutter, I don’t follow them,” said Makinde.
“I can disagree without making it personal. This is a democracy, we will reach out to them.”
He highlighted that despite recent electoral challenges, the PDP remains competitive. Notably, the party placed second in most of the 12 states across the region.
“This is proof that PDP is far from dead. If we keep working hard, we can regain Nigerians’ trust,” Makinde added.
Addressing speculation over zoning the PDP presidential ticket to the South, Makinde emphasized that such discussions can only follow party rebranding and unity.
“We haven’t even started talking about zoning. First, we must build a credible party. Otherwise, everything else will collapse.”
The summit attracted key PDP figures, including Adolphus Wabara (Chairman, Board of Trustees), Governor Douye Diri (Chairman, National Zoning Committee), Governors Ademola Adeleke (Osun State) and Peter Mba (Enugu State, represented by Deputy Governor Ifeanyi Ossai), along with former Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Bode George, Monsurat Sunmonu, and 12 National Assembly members from Southern Nigeria.
