Seyi Makinde, governor of Oyo state, has openly distanced himself from the camp loyal to Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT), accusing them of weakening the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to keep the All Progressives Congress (APC) in power.
Makinde said he had “repented” and would no longer associate with forces he described as destructive to the party.
He spoke in Ibadan on Tuesday during the inauguration of the PDP state secretariat.
Makinde Draws a Clear Line
Addressing party leaders and supporters, Makinde said the PDP’s internal crisis did not start recently.
He invoked a Yoruba proverb to argue that chaos only thrives when those responsible remain unchecked.
Makinde said certain party actors exploited the PDP’s loss of federal power in 2015 to seize control of the party.
“They had their time,” he said. “For 10 years, they practised their vagabondery in the PDP.”
He added that the party expelled those elements in November 2025.
“There are no more vagabonds in PDP,” he said.
Makinde also admitted that he once aligned with them.
“I came into government in 2019. Towards 2023, I was yoked with them. But now, I’ve repented,” he said.
‘They Want PDP Weak so APC Can Rule’
Makinde accused some party actors of deliberately destabilising the PDP to ensure another party retained power at the centre.
“For them to hold PDP so that another party will continue to rule is a no, no, no,” he said.
He warned that lies could only survive temporarily.
According to him, the truth would eventually surface and end all false narratives.
Makinde said he trusted the judiciary to resolve all pending disputes within the party.
“I have absolute trust in Nigeria’s judiciary. All these cases will come together, and justice will be done for PDP,” he said.
Wike’s Interest in Oyo Structure
Makinde’s comments followed statements by Wike at his faction’s national executive committee (NEC) meeting on Monday.
At the meeting, the Wike-led bloc announced plans to hold its national convention in March.
Wike also declared interest in Oyo state, a move seen as a direct political challenge to Makinde’s influence in the state.
“Particularly in Oyo, I am interested, Mr chairman. Let me declare my interest — I’m interested in Oyo,” Wike said.
Ibadan Court Ruling
During the meeting, Wike also cited a recent judgment of the Federal High Court in Ibadan.
He said the rival bloc approached the court, seeking an order of mandamus to compel the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise them as members of the national working committee (NWC) based on what he called their “Amala convention.”
However, Wike said the court rejected their claims.
“They took us to court in Ibadan, but the court gave us victory,” he said.
The ruling nullified the convention that produced Taminu Turaki as national chairman, further widening the rift within the PDP.
