IBADAN — The once-solid alliance between the “G5” governors has officially crumbled as Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde delivered a scathing rebuttal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, over the latter’s vow to place the Oyo State PDP under “surveillance.”
Addressing the media following a high-level party consultative meeting, Makinde dismissed Wike’s recent outbursts as a descent into petty politics. “When people decide to go low or even go into the gutters, I don’t go with them,” the Governor stated. “My focus remains on the survival of multiparty democracy in Nigeria and the prosperity of Oyo State, not individual ego trips.”
The Alleged ‘Secret 2027 Deal’
The feud reached a boiling point after Makinde publicly alleged that Wike had betrayed the PDP by volunteering to “hold down” the party to ensure an easy victory for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 elections.
According to Makinde, Wike made this commitment during a meeting at the Presidential Villa—a claim that has fundamentally altered the dynamics of the opposition. “It is one thing to support the President; it is another to actively work to stifle your own party for political gain,” Makinde remarked.
Wike Replies: ‘A Blatant Lie’
The FCT Minister has since denied the allegations, describing Makinde’s claims as a “blatant lie” triggered by a failed attempt to secure ministerial slots for his associates.
In a retaliatory move, Wike vowed to “monitor” the Oyo State PDP to prevent it from being used for “selfish regional ambitions.” He further accused Makinde of being the “architect of crisis” within the party, citing the Governor’s alleged refusal to adhere to collective agreements reached by the G5 group during the 2023 polls.
Factional Crisis Deepens
The war of words has already triggered legal and structural tremors within the party:
Court Battles: An Ibadan High Court recently nullified a convention led by Makinde, a move seen as a major victory for the pro-Wike faction of the PDP.
Leadership Tussle: Pro-Wike elements within the National Working Committee (NWC) have moved to isolate Makinde, accusing him of attempting to hijack the party’s structures in the Southwest.
Security Alerts: The political friction has led to increased security presence at party secretariats in both Ibadan and Abuja as rival supporters clash over loyalty.
As the PDP prepares for the 2027 election cycle, the public fallout between its two most influential figures suggests a difficult road ahead for the country’s main opposition party.
