Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has broken his silence on the escalating rift between himself and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, describing the ongoing turmoil within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as a battle for the future of Nigeria’s democracy.
Speaking on Tuesday amid tensions and clashes at the PDP national secretariat in Abuja, Makinde said the conflict extends far beyond internal party politics and touches on the very foundations of Nigeria’s multi party system.
Makinde suggested that Wike, a former Rivers State governor and his former ally in the G5 bloc, is promoting a one-party structure that runs contrary to the vision of Nigeria’s founding fathers.
“The issue is we don’t believe in a one-party Nigeria,” Makinde said.
“We believe our founding fathers gave us a multiparty democracy. We must sustain it so that Nigerians can have options when choosing their leaders.”
He added that disagreements between him and Wike are not personal, stressing:
“Small minds talk about people. Average minds talk about events. We would rather talk about issues.”
Makinde addressed the media after violent scenes unfolded at the PDP secretariat, where two rival factions attempted to hold parallel meetings. The chaos underscored deepening cracks within the party, with both sides claiming legitimacy.
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Asked what message he had for party members nationwide, the governor responded:
“A message of hope — real hope. This fight is not about PDP. It is about the survival of democracy in Nigeria.”
“We Will Stay Here for Two Weeks if Necessary”
Makinde vowed that he and his allies would resist any attempt to undermine Nigeria’s democratic framework.
“This is a case of ‘it gets worse before it gets better,’” he said.
“And if we have to stay here for the next two weeks so that democracy will survive in Nigeria, you will see us here.”
Makinde and Wike were once close political allies, particularly during the 2023 general election as members of the influential G5. Their recent fallout signals a dramatic realignment within the party, with implications for the PDP’s national cohesion.
Political analysts warn that the feud could deepen the party’s internal fractures ahead of future elections.