The political rift between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has further widened following Wike’s open declaration of interest in the activities of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State.
Wike made the declaration on Monday night while addressing party leaders and stakeholders at the PDP’s 105th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held in Abuja. During his speech, the former Rivers State governor also vowed to defend the PDP against what he described as internal “vampires” allegedly undermining the party from within.
From G5 Alliance to Power Struggle
Akahi News gathered that Wike and Makinde were both key members of the influential G5 governors’ bloc ahead of the 2023 general elections. However, their alliance reportedly collapsed shortly after the polls, giving way to a prolonged power struggle that has continued to shape internal dynamics within the PDP.
Observers say the renewed tension reflects deeper divisions within the opposition party as it struggles to reconcile competing interests and rebuild ahead of future elections.
“I Am Interested in Oyo PDP” — Wike
Addressing the NEC meeting, Wike stated that his interest in the Oyo State chapter of the PDP was motivated by his broader concern for the party’s national survival and stability.
“Let me declare my interest clearly: I am interested in the survival and success of this party. I am also interested in all the happenings in Oyo State PDP. That is all I am interested in,” Wike said.
According to Akahi News, the minister cautioned against misinterpreting his comments as an attempt to intimidate or dominate any faction within the party, insisting that recent court judgments had strengthened the legitimacy of the PDP’s current leadership arrangement.
Leadership Crisis and Caretaker Committee
Speaking on the lingering leadership crisis rocking the PDP, Wike asserted that those challenging the Abdulrahman Mohammed-led Caretaker Committee had exhausted their legal options.
“The legal battle has collapsed. They have no option but to recognise the Caretaker Committee,” he declared.
He accused some party members of seeking to control the PDP across the 36 states and the FCT for selfish interests, describing such individuals as “vampires” feeding on the party’s internal divisions.
Akahi News learnt that Wike expressed confidence that the Caretaker Committee now has a clear path to steer the party towards its long-awaited elective national convention.
“We are waiting for the Caretaker Committee to give direction on the next steps, especially to ensure that congresses already due are conducted, after which we move to the National Convention,” he said.
Call for Grassroots Politics
In a broader message to party faithful, the FCT minister warned against what he described as a “charity mentality” in politics. He urged PDP members to focus on grassroots mobilisation rather than relying solely on sitting governors for political relevance.
“Go to the wards. Go to the polling units. Go to the grassroots. Forget the idea that this is a charity organisation,” Wike said. “Some people believe that if you do not have a sitting governor, then you are nothing. Who told them that? I was not a governor when I became governor.”
Peace Calls and Words of Caution
While acknowledging appeals by the PDP Board of Trustees (BoT) and the National Working Committee (NWC) for peace and unity within the party, Wike stressed that reconciliation must be accompanied by vigilance.
“Yes, the BoT has appealed for peace. Yes, the NWC has appealed for peace. That is their responsibility. But those of us following the process must be extremely careful,” he warned.
Despite the internal tensions, Akahi News observed that Wike maintained confidence in the PDP’s resilience, describing the party as a formidable political force capable of overcoming its current challenges through collective experience and discipline.
As the PDP navigates ongoing internal disputes, political watchers believe the deepening rift between key figures such as Wike and Makinde could play a decisive role in shaping the party’s future direction.
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By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News.
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