In a dramatic escalation of political tensions within the Peoples Democratic Party, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has launched a pointed counterattack against the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over his recent remarks concerning PDP activities in Oyo State.
Wike's Provocative Statement on Oyo PDP Affairs
The controversy began when Nyesom Wike, during a PDP National Executive Council meeting on Monday, February 2, declared his particular interest in the affairs of the Peoples Democratic Party in Oyo State. This statement was widely interpreted as a direct challenge to Governor Makinde, who serves as the recognized leader of the PDP in Oyo State.
Wike, who has maintained a longstanding rivalry with Governor Makinde, emphasized during the meeting that above all other considerations, he remains focused on the PDP structure in Oyo State where Makinde holds leadership authority.
Makinde's Forceful Response at New PDP Secretariat Opening
Governor Seyi Makinde responded to Wike's comments during the official opening of a new PDP secretariat, describing the minister's remarks as fundamentally misplaced. The governor firmly asserted that the Oyo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party remains stable, focused, and united under his leadership.
Drawing from Yoruba cultural wisdom, Governor Makinde stated: "In Yoruba land, we always say that if you see a house or compound that is peaceful, the vagabond in that house has not grown up. The vagabond in PDP, they grew up in 2015, they had their time and then 10 years, they practice their vagabond in the PDP but they have been expelled in November 2025, so no more vagabond in PDP."
Direct Challenge to Wike's Political Record
In his most pointed remarks, Governor Makinde directly questioned Nyesom Wike's political contributions to the Peoples Democratic Party in his home state of Rivers. The governor demanded: "Someone said he has interest in PDP in Oyo state. Ask him what has he done for the PDP in Rivers State that he comes from?"
This rhetorical question represents a significant escalation in the ongoing political conflict between the two prominent PDP figures, shifting the focus from Oyo State politics to Wike's own political legacy in Rivers State.
Broader Implications for PDP Unity and Structure
The exchange between Governor Seyi Makinde and Minister Nyesom Wike highlights deeper tensions within the Peoples Democratic Party regarding leadership authority and political influence across different states. As both leaders assert their positions, the stability of the party's internal structures faces increasing scrutiny.
Political analysts suggest that this public confrontation may signal broader realignments within the PDP as the party prepares for future electoral contests. The focus on state-level party structures and leadership effectiveness reflects ongoing debates about the party's direction and organizational coherence.
Governor Makinde's emphasis on the expulsion of what he termed "vagabond" elements from the PDP in November 2025 suggests ongoing efforts to consolidate party discipline and unity, even as internal challenges persist.
