Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has dismissed speculations about a possible defection from the Peoples Democratic Party, assuring members that the party will field candidates for all elective positions in the 2027 general elections.

Makinde gave the assurance on Monday night during a stakeholders’ meeting attended by party leaders from the state’s 33 local councils, where decisions were taken to strengthen unity and cohesion ahead of the next electoral cycle.

“They want to take Oyo at all costs, but it is our responsibility to ensure we bend our rules where necessary to accommodate one another. This is not just about 2027; it is about the future of democracy and generations to come. Nothing good comes easy. Success requires resilience and collective effort. Can we fight through this? Yes. Can we win? Absolutely,” Makinde said.

At the meeting, party stakeholders resolved to adopt consensus candidates in areas operating rotational arrangements and grant automatic tickets to certain categories of lawmakers to maintain party cohesion.

Meanwhile, former Deputy National Chairman of PDP, Bode George, dismissed calls by some party members to reconcile with the faction loyal to Nyesom Wike as a precondition for participating in the 2027 elections.

Makinde’s declaration is widely seen as an effort to dispel rumours of party defections and reinforce PDP unity as the 2027 elections approach.