The internal struggle for control of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) intensified as Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, exchanged sharp criticisms over the party’s leadership and future.
Speaking during the inauguration of the PDP secretariat in Ibadan, Makinde criticised elements within the party he accused of undermining its stability. He said the PDP would not be allowed to descend into disorder, insisting that past internal issues contributed to the party’s loss of federal power in 2015.
Makinde acknowledged that he previously aligned with certain party figures but said he had distanced himself from them, stressing his commitment to rebuilding and stabilising the PDP. He also expressed confidence in the judiciary to resolve ongoing legal disputes affecting the party’s leadership structure.
The governor explained that the Oyo PDP secretariat was named after Omokunmi Mustapha in recognition of his contributions to the party’s return to power in the state in 2019.
Wike had earlier declared his interest in developments within the Oyo PDP and reiterated his commitment to the survival and success of the party. His remarks followed a meeting of the PDP caretaker committee led by Rahaman Mohammed, which announced March 29 as the date for the party’s national convention.
Following Makinde’s comments, Wike’s spokesperson, Lere Olayinka, criticised the governor, accusing him of political inconsistency and personal ambition.
The leadership dispute further escalated after a Federal High Court in Ibadan nullified the PDP national convention held in November 2025. The court invalidated decisions taken at the convention, including the election of the Kabiru Tanimu Turaki-led National Working Committee (NWC) and the expulsion of some party members.
The court also restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising the Turaki-led NWC and ruled that a caretaker committee should manage the party pending a fresh convention.
Following the judgment, the caretaker committee announced March 29 and 30 as new dates for the national convention. The committee also dissolved PDP executive committees in the North-West, South-West and Plateau State, stating that new leadership structures would be constituted.
Chairman of the caretaker committee, Rahaman Mohammed, insisted that the party remained united and pledged to organise an inclusive and transparent convention.
However, PDP staff members have declared support for the Turaki-led NWC, maintaining that it remains the legitimate leadership of the party. The employees argued that the convention that produced the leadership complied with the party’s constitution and internal processes.
The PDP national secretariat remains sealed by security authorities following clashes between rival factions seeking control of the party’s leadership.
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