Makinde’s Truth Hurts APC, Oyo PDP Fires Back

In a heated response, the Oyo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Sunday fired back at the All Progressives Congress (APC) over its reaction to Governor Seyi Makinde’s recent remark that the 2027 general election would be a contest between the APC and the Nigerian people. The PDP described the APC’s rebuttal as “unnecessary, wrongly directed, and wrongly themed.”

The PDP’s Acting Publicity Secretary, Micheal Ogunsina, in a statement, called the APC’s response an indication that the ruling party is “afraid of meeting the people at the polls.” Ogunsina argued that if the APC were truly serving the people’s interests, it would welcome Makinde’s comment as a positive comparison to the people’s will, rather than perceiving it as an attack.

The controversy began when Makinde commented that the upcoming 2027 elections would essentially be a showdown between the APC and the general populace—a sentiment he believes reflects widespread dissatisfaction with the current administration. In response, the APC criticized the governor, alleging he was prematurely focused on his own 2027 aspirations.

“The APC should thank our governor for pairing it with the people,” the PDP’s statement read. “But the sinner will run when nobody is pursuing them. The APC is that sinner, and it shall not go unpunished,” Ogunsina said.

He went on to critique the APC’s track record since the 2023 election, claiming that despite promises of “prosperity for all,” the ruling party had instead “inflicted pain and more pain on the people.”

Ogunsina also addressed speculation about Governor Makinde’s political future, asserting that the governor is fully focused on his current mandate and has consistently refused to be drawn into discussions about 2027. “Governor Makinde is too seasoned to be distracted by a matter that is in the hands of God,” he said.

The PDP spokesperson also mocked the APC’s reference to “looming prosperity” for Nigerians, suggesting the ruling party owes the public an explanation for the hardships experienced under its leadership. “Instead of boasting of real achievements, the only offering APC has in its statement is this ‘looming prosperity.’ After two years of policy failures and widespread suffering, that promise rings hollow,” Ogunsina added.

Ogunsina urged the APC to reflect on its administration and seek forgiveness from Nigerians. “Instead of targeting Governor Makinde, the APC should be remorseful, repent, and humbly ask Nigerians for clemency,” he stated.

He concluded with a reiteration of Makinde’s original point: that the 2027 election would indeed be a referendum on the APC’s governance.