Seyi Makinde, governor of Oyo state, says the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is going through a difficult period following the defection of Dauda Lawal, governor of Zamfara.
On Monday, March 9, Lawal announced his resignation from the PDP, leaving Makinde and Bala Mohammed, governor of Bauchi state, as the only governors elected on the platform of the party.
Speaking in Abuja on Tuesday during the expanded meeting of the PDP board of trustees (BoT), Makinde described the development as a challenging moment for the party and Nigeria’s democracy.
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 said.
The governor said discussions with political actors and observers suggest that the country’s current political climate is unusual.
“I have been talking to people of knowledge, 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,” he said.
I can only say we are only two remaining, but we are not bothered.”
Makinde said the party’s leaders must remain conscious of how history would judge their actions during the period.
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 situation would improve, saying difficult times do not last.
“Weeping may endure for the night, but in the morning, joy cometh,” he added.