Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde Takes Center Stage in PDP Presidential Politics
Recent developments within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have thrown Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde into the spotlight, as some party bigwigs loyal to Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, are now pushing for Makinde to run for the 2027 presidential election.
This surge in support for Makinde is linked to the cooling of relations with former Vice President and PDP’s 2023 presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar. Some party leaders still harbor resentment towards Atiku, believing he mishandled the 2023 campaign and failed to address the concerns of influential G5 governors who demanded the resignation of the then-party National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu.
Party insiders, who spoke on condition of anonymity, revealed that disappointment with Atiku’s leadership style is still palpable, leading many leaders to question his influence within the party.
In contrast, Governor Makinde has been exercising measured restraint when addressing the calls for his candidacy. Speaking to journalists during his visit to Fashola Farm in Oyo town last month, he categorically dismissed speculation about his political ambitions, vowing to make any statements about his future publicly and without fear or intimidation.
At another event, the inauguration of the Olusoji Adagunodo Zonal Secretariat of the PDP in Ibadan, Makinde further cautioned that the 2027 election would be a contest between the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Nigerian people, and that he intends to stay focused on his goals without external influences.
Party members continue to grapple with questions about the future of its leadership, internal divisions, and power struggles, as the PDP’s path to 2027 remains uncertain. Makinde’s name is now being touted as a potential candidate, with Wike’s faction increasingly showing support, further muddying the waters.
According to sources, the party is also reeling from the 2023 election’s aftermath, with some party leaders pointing to Atiku’s mistakes as a primary cause for their loss. “Every election circle, you will be given a presidential ticket; you will botch it. Look at the mess you created for us during the 2023 election. Why was it difficult to kneel to the G5 governors and win the election for us?” a source lamented.
“Now, one of those same men you berated is giving you trouble. He could have waited until after the election and deceived Wike, just as (former President Olusegun) Obasanjo did in his time. Atiku was not serious and sincere about winning the presidency,” the source added.
