Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has expressed his full support for Umar Ilya Damagum, the acting chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party.
Makinde’s endorsement came during the groundbreaking ceremony for the upgrade of the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport in Ibadan, according to Politics Nigeria.
In his remarks, Makinde addressed concerns about his absence at a recent campaign event, reaffirming his backing for the PDP candidate in Edo State, Asue Ighodalo.
He emphasized the importance of unity as the party approaches key elections, urging members to rally behind their candidates.
He said: “Tongues have been wagging about my absence at the campaign grand finale. Let me declare that Seyi Makinde is 100 percent with our candidate in Edo State, Asue Ighodalo. If Edo people want to know the difference between delicious and nutritious, they should vote for Asue Ighodalo to get what is nutritious.
“And I am glad that our acting national chairman and members of his National Working Committee (NWC) are here. I read yesterday that there is another meeting in Bauchi by some NWC members. Let me say clearly, I have been discussing with my brother on our way here. We are 100 percent in support of the Iliya Damagun-led NWC. Whatever decision you take, we will support you in repositioning our party.
“Let me also say I don’t think this is the right time to have issues with ourselves. We have an important election on Saturday, so we should all rally around and deliver our candidate.”
He highlighted the need for solidarity amid ongoing internal conflicts within the PDP, where some members, including other governors, are advocating for Damagum’s removal.
Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi, who chairs the PDP Governors’ Forum, recently emphasized the necessity of resolving the leadership crisis and suggested that the North Central region should complete the term of former chairman Iyorchia Ayu. Following Ayu’s removal in June 2023, Damagum stepped in as acting chairman, but his leadership has faced scrutiny, particularly due to his ties with Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
As the party navigates these challenges, Makinde called for collective efforts to ensure electoral success in the upcoming elections.
