A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and aspirant for the Ibadan North-West/Ibadan South-West Federal Constituency, Mayegun Sunday Olusegun Babanumi, has expressed confidence that the party will overcome its current challenges despite recent defections that have shaken its national structure.
Babanumi, a frontline PDP aspirant for the House of Representatives seat in Oyo State, spoke in reaction to comments by Seyi Makinde, Governor of Oyo State, who described the situation facing the party as a temporary phase that would eventually strengthen the PDP.
The governor made the remarks during an expanded meeting of the Board of Trustees of the PDP in Abuja, where he acknowledged that the party was currently experiencing a difficult period following the defection of several governors to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The latest development involved the reported resignation of Dauda Lawal, Governor of Zamfara State, from the PDP, leaving Makinde and Bala Mohammed, Governor of Bauchi State, as the remaining governors elected on the platform of the opposition party.
Speaking on the development, Makinde said the situation represented a challenging moment not only for the PDP but also for Nigeria’s democratic system.
“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,” the governor said.
He added that political observers and stakeholders have described the current political climate as unprecedented in the country’s democratic history.
“I have been talking to 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,” Makinde stated.
Despite the situation, the governor maintained that the party leadership remained undeterred.
“I can only say we are only two remaining, but we are not bothered,” he added.
Makinde further urged party members to remain mindful of how history would judge their actions during the ongoing political developments.
“So, whatever role we want to play as individuals and collectively as a party, we must be conscious of what history is going to record against or for us for this period,” he said.
He expressed optimism that the PDP would emerge stronger from the crisis, adding that difficult times do not last.
“Weeping may endure for the night, but in the morning, joy cometh,” the governor noted.
Reacting to the governor’s position, Babanumi reaffirmed his loyalty to the PDP and expressed confidence in the leadership of Governor Makinde and other party leaders to steer the party through the turbulent period.
According to him, political crises, when properly managed, often strengthen institutions and reinforce loyalty among members.
“Every institutional storm and crisis, if properly navigated, will strengthen the entity. With undivided loyalty to our leaders, I believe the PDP will overcome this moment,” Babanumi said.
The aspirant reiterated his commitment to the party’s leadership and vision, stressing that the current challenges would not weaken the resolve of loyal members.
He also echoed Makinde’s admonition that party members must remain conscious of the role they play during this period.
“Many of us have always been loyal to our party and its leadership, and this current crisis will not disrupt our vision and loyalty,” Babanumi added.
