The Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, has alleged that members of a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) aligned with Nyesom Wike are working in support of the re-election bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Makinde made the claim on Sunday during a closed-door meeting at the Bauchi Government House with Bala Mohammed and Seriake Dickson.
His remarks come amid ongoing tensions within the PDP, particularly following moves by the Wike-led faction in Oyo State, which in February called on the Kabiru Turaki-led National Working Committee (NWC) to pursue reconciliation.
The call was made by Abdulrahman Akinoso, chairman of the faction’s caretaker committee, in response to a high court judgment that nullified the party’s state congress held on November 15, 2025.
Akinoso urged the rival faction to abandon what he described as a futile legal battle, insisting that the Wike-backed group remains committed to unity and democratic ideals.
Reconciliation Debate Deepens
The issue of reconciliation gained further attention on Saturday when Okezie Ikpeazu stressed the need for unity as preparations intensify for the PDP’s 2026 national convention scheduled for March 29 and 30 in Abuja.
Ikpeazu, chairman of the convention committee, said the party must embrace sincere reconciliation anchored on truth, humility, and mutual respect.
‘Supporting Tinubu by Association’
Responding to the reconciliation push, Makinde maintained that any engagement with Wike’s camp amounts to indirect support for President Tinubu’s second-term ambition.
He said he had previously disclosed attending a meeting involving Wike and the president, where assurances were allegedly made about backing Tinubu ahead of 2027.
According to him, anyone aligning with the group has effectively chosen to support the president’s re-election bid.
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He added that while individuals are free to support any candidate of their choice, they should do so openly.
Makinde further alleged that the Wike-backed faction enjoys the backing of government institutions, including the judiciary and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), while insisting that his camp has the support of the people.
Bala Mohammed Responds
In his reaction, Bala Mohammed said the push for reconciliation was in compliance with a court directive.
He noted that the move was not voluntary but a response to a ruling by a competent appellate court. While acknowledging Makinde’s position as a personal opinion, the Bauchi governor maintained that political disagreements within the country are not beyond resolution.
Mohammed added that adherence to the rule of law remains paramount and expressed confidence that all outstanding issues within the party can be resolved.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
