Makinde added that the only way of stopping the PDP in 2023 is by dividing the party.
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has expressed confidence in the Peoples Democratic Party's ability to win the 2023 presidential election.
He based this on the premise that former Vice-President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar, Governor of Sokoto, Aminu Tambuwal, and Governor of Bauchi Bala Mohammed have indicated an interest in the 2023 presidency.
Makinde made this known while speaking on Thursday during an interview on Channels Television.
He said: “The issue right now is that our party — PDP — has eminently qualified personalities that can lead this country successfully. Some have indicated interest like former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, like Governor Tambuwal, like Governor Bala Mohammed.
“They have indicated interest. But the bottom line is when we get to that bridge, we will definitely cross it. What is important at this stage, which I will solicit the support of PDP members and the generality of Nigerians, is please support us to have a successful national convention.
“There is no way you can become anything — president, vice-president, even governor — if we don’t have a party. What we want to do first is ensure that we get things right within our party.”
Makinde added that the only way of stopping the PDP in 2023 is by dividing the party.
He said the governors elected on the platform of the party understand the need for unity ahead of the next general elections.
“I make bold to say that the situation in this country today, the only way that you can stop PDP at the federal level is by dividing PDP internally,” the Oyo governor said.
“All the governors of the PDP are well aware of this fact and we made unity within ourselves our number one priority. Once the governors of PDP are able to move in one direction, align on most of the issues and the challenges we are faced with, I think there is hope for this country.”
On whether the PDP can defeat the ruling All Progressives Congress in 2023 presidential election, he said: “Well, it is a question that I know Nigerians will answer and they will answer decisively.”