The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has intensified his criticism of Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, as the leadership crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) continues to escalate.
Wike, speaking on Monday at a gathering of a rival faction of the party’s National Working Committee led by Abdulrahman Mohammed, accused Makinde of unnecessarily inflaming tensions within the party. He alleged that the Oyo governor had embarked on a political confrontation that may prove difficult to sustain.
The latest exchange comes in the wake of a Court of Appeal judgement which nullified the PDP national convention held in Ibadan in November 2025. The convention had produced Kabiru Turaki as national chairman, but the ruling has now thrown the party into deeper uncertainty, with parallel factions laying claim to its leadership.
The development has heightened internal divisions within the PDP, prompting renewed calls from party stakeholders for urgent reconciliation to avoid further fragmentation ahead of future electoral contests.
Reacting to the situation on Sunday, Governor Makinde took a swipe at Wike’s camp, stating that members aligning with the FCT Minister should be seen as supporting the second-term ambition of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Makinde maintained that while individuals are free to make their political choices, they must be transparent about their allegiances. He further argued that although the rival faction may enjoy institutional backing, his group commands the support of the electorate.
Meanwhile, Abdulrahman Mohammed reaffirmed the position of his faction, insisting that plans for its scheduled national convention on March 29 and 30 would proceed as arranged. He dismissed reports suggesting attempts to halt the exercise and urged party members to remain focused and united despite the ongoing crisis.
The unfolding developments underscore a deepening power struggle within the PDP, raising concerns about the party’s cohesion and preparedness as Nigeria’s political landscape gradually tilts towards the next general elections.
