Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, attributed the Peoples Democratic Party’s loss in the 2020 Ondo State Governorship election to internal disunity and division within the party.
Makinde made this assertion during an interactive meeting between key stakeholders from Ondo State and the National Working Committee at the PDP national headquarters, Wadata Plaza, Abuja, on Tuesday.
He emphasized the lessons learned from the previous election, highlighting the challenges of collectively handling failure.
Makinde stressed that the party’s ticket for the upcoming Ondo State governorship election would not be handed over easily; instead, it would be a competitive battle among all contenders.
Makinde stated, “We learned from the last governorship election. Actually, you learn more when you fail than when you succeed. So we learned bitter lessons. For the benefit of everybody, the governorship election in Ondo State is not going to be handed over to anybody. It will be a fight. As PDP, we will fight.”
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He emphasized the importance of unity among party members, stating that while disagreements may arise, they must unite to secure victory in the forthcoming election.
Makinde expressed confidence that internal differences could be resolved after winning the election.
In his remarks, the acting National Chairman of the PDP, Umar Damagum, urged governorship aspirants to conduct their campaigns with caution, emphasizing that only one candidate would emerge from the primaries.
The meeting also discussed key issues such as the mode of primaries, consensus, and zoning.
Attendees included former Ondo State Governor, Olusegun Mimiko; PDP governorship candidate in 2016 and 2020, Eyitayo Jegede; PDP State Acting Chairman, Tola Alabere; and Otunba Bamidele Akingboye.
NWC members present included National Secretary, Sam Anyawu; Deputy National Chairman (South), Amb. Taofeek Arapaja; National Organizing Secretary, Umar Bature; and National Publicity Secretary, among others.