Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has blamed the ongoing crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on an alleged plan by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to weaken the party in favour of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Makinde made the claim on Sunday during a meeting with Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, in Bauchi. According to him, the internal divisions currently affecting the PDP are linked to a broader political alignment involving Wike and his associates.
The governor alleged that he personally attended a meeting involving Wike and President Tinubu, where the former Rivers State governor purportedly pledged to “hold the PDP” in favour of the president’s re-election bid in 2027. Makinde argued that any PDP member aligning with Wike’s faction has, by implication, agreed to support Tinubu’s future political ambitions.
“I was in a meeting with Wike and Mr President, and he promised to hold the PDP for Mr President towards 2027,” Makinde stated. “So anyone moving with Wike and his group has agreed to support President Tinubu for the 2027 election.”
Despite the allegation, Makinde maintained that individuals are free to support any candidate of their choice but urged those backing the president to do so openly rather than operating within the PDP structure.
“We are not begrudging them. You can support whoever you want to support, but go to them if you want to support them,” he added.
Makinde further claimed that Wike’s faction enjoys institutional backing, alleging that they have the support of the government, the judiciary, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). In contrast, he insisted that his own faction derives strength from grassroots support.
The remarks underscore deepening tensions within the PDP as internal rivalries and political realignments continue to shape the party’s future ahead of the next election cycle.
