PDP’s Secret Weapon? Makinde’s Bold Stand Against Dirty Politics
In Nigeria’s political space, it is often said that when the stakes get high, the debates get low. Insults fly, accusations dominate the headlines, and substance is drowned in noise. But Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has once again shown that he intends to chart a different course—one rooted in dignity, focus, and vision.
Speaking after the South-West zoning consultative summit of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos, Makinde sent a clear message: he will not be dragged into the gutters of dirty politics.
“Personally, when people go low or go into the gutters, I don’t go with them,” Makinde declared. “Some people are now going into the gutters. We will reach out to them. That is democracy.”
Why This Stands Out
For those who have followed Nigeria’s political journey, Makinde’s statement resonates deeply. In a system where personal attacks and mudslinging often overshadow real governance debates, his refusal to “go low” is more than a personal philosophy—it’s a challenge to Nigeria’s political class.
Makinde reminds his peers that democracy should be about service and ideas, not bitterness or vendettas. His words also hint at a subtle reassurance to Nigerians who are increasingly disillusioned with the political process: politics doesn’t have to be dirty—it can be decent, inclusive, and forward-looking.
The PDP’s Struggle and Renewal
Makinde also used the summit to reflect on the state of the PDP, a party that has faced turbulence but still commands significant grassroots presence. Recent election results, he noted, prove that the PDP is not a spent force.
“In all our states, they showed last Saturday that PDP is not dead. In most other places of the 12 states, PDP came second. It is an indication to us that if we continue to work hard, we can reclaim the confidence of Nigerians.”
This is important because, for many Nigerians, PDP is still synonymous with both nostalgia and skepticism. Nostalgia for its years of dominance, skepticism because of the mistakes that cost it power in 2015. Makinde’s words frame the party’s current position not as a decline but as a rebuilding phase.
The Zoning Debate—But Not Yet
Of course, the elephant in the room was the ever-sensitive issue of zoning—should the PDP’s presidential ticket be reserved for the South? For now, Makinde insists the conversation is premature:
“We need to have a party first before you start talking about presidential candidates. If we don’t have a party, anything you are trying to do will fall flat.”
This perspective reflects political maturity. Too often, Nigeria’s political parties leapfrog over structure, unity, and ideology in a rush to announce candidates. Makinde is essentially saying: strengthen the foundation first, then talk about who carries the flag.
The Bigger Picture
The Lagos summit drew influential figures—Governors Douye Diri and Ademola Adeleke, party elder Bode George, and PDP’s Board of Trustees Chairman, Adolphus Wabara, among others. Their presence underscores the urgency of a united front, especially as Nigerians search desperately for alternatives to the ruling party.
Makinde’s message of decency and discipline, therefore, isn’t just a personal creed. It is a strategy. In a time when voters are exhausted by mudslinging and political brawls, a calm, principle-driven approach could be the PDP’s strongest card.
Final Word
Makinde’s stand reminds us of an old truth: in politics, character matters as much as competence. By refusing to “go into the gutters,” he is not just preserving his personal dignity—he is raising the standard for Nigeria’s political culture.
And maybe, just maybe, if more leaders choose principle over pettiness, Nigerians can begin to believe in their democracy again.