Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has declared that hungry Nigerians will be the determining factor in the 2027 presidential election, dismissing concerns about recent defections from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Speaking at the official inauguration of newly elected PDP South-West zonal executive members in Ibadan on Wednesday, Makinde emphasized that the economic hardship facing Nigerians would play a crucial role in shaping the outcome of the next presidential election.

"We will not be bothered until hunger has decamped to the ruling party, APC," Makinde stated. "The day hunger decamps, they should come and tell us, and then we will know what to do. Because there is hunger in the land and the majority of the people that are hungry would determine what 2027 would look like."

The governor reassured PDP members not to be discouraged by the recent wave of defections that has hit the party, including some governors. He maintained that the PDP remains "the only party in Nigeria with very strong institutions."

"People have been asking us as leaders of this party that a lot of people are decamping, even governors, and some others are threatening to decamp and all of that. And they said, look, where is this party going?" Makinde noted.

"So, don't be bothered. If any governors like, let them decamp. We will stay with the people of Nigeria," he added, emphasizing the party's commitment to identifying with the Nigerian masses and their aspirations despite the defections.

The statement comes amid growing economic challenges in Nigeria, with rising inflation and cost of living affecting millions of citizens across the country. Political analysts view Makinde's comments as positioning the PDP as the party for the common man ahead of the 2027 general elections.