By Gideon Maxwell
March 10, 2026
Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, has openly acknowledged the deep crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party, stating that the once dominant opposition party has been reduced to only two serving governors, yet insisting that the situation does not mean the party is finished.
Makinde made the remark during discussions among party leaders in Abuja following fresh political developments that have dramatically weakened the PDP’s presence across Nigeria’s political landscape.
The governor was reacting to the defection of the Zamfara State governor, Dauda Lawal, from the PDP to the ruling All Progressives Congress, a move that further depleted the number of governors elected on the PDP platform.
‘We are only two remaining‘
Speaking on the situation, Makinde admitted that the party had reached one of its most difficult moments since its formation but insisted the remaining members were not discouraged.
According to him, “I can only say we are only two remaining, but we are not bothered.”
The Oyo governor explained that although the PDP has lost several governors through defections and internal political struggles, the party still has a future if its leaders act responsibly and work to rebuild unity.
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Makinde noted that the period represents a significant test not only for the PDP but also for the broader democratic system in Nigeria.
“It is a challenging period for us as leaders and members of the PDP. It is also a challenging period for democracy in Nigeria,” he said.
Remaining PDP governors
Following the defection of Lawal and other earlier exits, the PDP is now left with only two governors who were elected on its platform.
They are Makinde of Oyo State and Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State.
The dramatic reduction reflects a broader political shift across the country where several governors and major party figures have moved to other political platforms amid disputes within the PDP.
Political analysts say the defections are largely linked to prolonged internal battles within the party’s leadership, court cases challenging its national convention, and disagreements among powerful factions.
PDP leadership crisis deepens
The party has been battling a prolonged leadership struggle involving rival factions and disputes over the legitimacy of its national convention and national working committee.
A recent Court of Appeal ruling also complicated the situation by upholding a judgment that invalidated the PDP’s national convention held in Ibadan, creating uncertainty over the party’s leadership structure.
The development has forced party stakeholders, including members of the Board of Trustees, to hold emergency consultations in a bid to prevent a total collapse of the organisation.
Despite these setbacks, Makinde expressed confidence that the party could recover if members remain committed to rebuilding it.
He urged PDP leaders to reflect on how history would judge their actions during the current crisis.
According to him, the party must act responsibly because the decisions taken now will determine how the period will be remembered in Nigeria’s democratic history.
Hope for recovery
Makinde also struck a hopeful tone, saying political crises do not last forever and that the PDP could emerge stronger if it manages the situation wisely.
He emphasised that difficult moments are part of political evolution and that the party’s leaders must stay focused on the bigger picture.
His remarks come at a time when Nigeria’s opposition space is undergoing major realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections, with several politicians exploring new alliances and political platforms.
Even with only two governors left, Makinde maintained that the PDP still has the capacity to rebuild its structures, reorganise its leadership and remain relevant in Nigeria’s democratic contest.
The coming months, observers say, will determine whether the once dominant party can stabilise itself or continue to lose ground in the rapidly shifting political environment.
