Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has called on members of his political camp within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to remain united ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that internal division could undermine the progress recorded by his administration.

Governor Makinde made this appeal during a dinner held on Friday night with political associates, government officials and party stakeholders, where discussions centred on sustaining the administration’s achievements and strengthening party cohesion ahead of the next election cycle.

While addressing the gathering, the governor stressed that political offices were limited and should not become a source of conflict among loyalists and party members.

“There must not be any division. We must watch out for one another so that the people of Oyo State can reap the benefits of this team,” Makinde said.

He urged members of his camp to place collective interest above personal ambition, insisting that unity and cooperation remained critical to maintaining stability within the party and ensuring continued development in the state.

Makinde also expressed appreciation to the people of Oyo State for allowing his administration to serve, saying public office should be seen as a privilege rather than an entitlement.

“We must be thankful to God, and we must be grateful to the people of Oyo State for giving us the opportunity to serve them,” he stated.

Reflecting on his political rise, the governor revealed that his original ambition was to become a senator before political events eventually led him to contest for the governorship.

According to him, after securing his party’s governorship ticket in September 2018, developments moved quickly and within five months, he emerged governor-elect.

Makinde said his experience showed that political destinies could change rapidly, urging his loyalists to remain patient, disciplined and supportive of one another rather than engaging in unhealthy rivalry ahead of 2027.

“This team must continue the good work for the benefit of the people of Oyo State,” he added.

The dinner was attended by several prominent political figures, including Deputy Governor Chief Bayo Lawal; Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon.  Debo Ogundoyin; Bimbo Adekanmbi (governor’s preferred successor); Hon. Adedeji Stanley Olajide, and Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi, among others