Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has declared that he would remain in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), emphasising his loyalty to the party under which he was elected.
 
He disclosed that competence and loyalty to the Oyo people were the only key factors under consideration for his successor.
 
Speaking during the 12th Omituntun Ramadan Lecture in Ibadan, yesterday, Makinde assured party faithful and supporters that he was “going nowhere” and would continue to support the PDP’s vision and values.

He stressed that the party must focus on competence and good governance, rather than loyalty to any individual.
 
Makinde’s declaration came amid speculation about defections and shifting alliances in the PDP ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He highlighted that loyalty should be directed towards service to the people, rather than political figures.
 
His remarks were met with applause from attendees, signalling broad support for his commitment to the party.
 
Addressing ongoing debates about party leadership, Makinde reiterated that the PDP must remain united and focused on its mission.

He noted that while governors and leaders were free to make personal political choices, such movements should not weaken the party’s structure or distract from its core goals.
 
He explained that his loyalty to Oyo enabled him to record many impactful achievements in the seven years he had been in office, including the clearance of over N25 billion gratuity arrears owed by previous governments, adding that he also increased the monthly payout of gratuity from N1 billion to N3 billion to ensure that no retiree is owed gratuity by the end of May 2027.
 
The governor also noted the upgrade of the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport to international status as another major achievement of his administration, stating that all hands “are on deck” to ensure that 2026 Hajj pilgrims would be airlifted from the facility in May.
 
Governor Makinde appreciated the Muslim Ummah in Oyo for their prayers, support and cooperation with his administration since 2019 and charged them not to relent in their prayers for the government.
 
Noting that the yearly Omituntun Ramadan Lecture predated his assumption of office as Oyo governor, he added that he would continue the lecture even after leaving office because it would be an opportunity to continue reaching out to the people. 
 
Speaking further, the governor said he would donate seven buses to seven select mosques, one in each of the state’s geopolitical zones, to support the propagation of Islam and in commemoration of the 12th edition of the Omituntun Ramadan Lecture.
 
He gifted the guest lecturer, Fadilat Sheikh Jamiu Ajadi Sanusi (aka Ami Olohun), a brand-new sport utility vehicle (SUV) for his insightful lecture and contribution to its success.
 
While delivering the lecture entitled ‘Contentment’, Sanusi commended the developmental strides of Makinde’s administration and urged him to be cautious of mischievous people around him.