POLITICS: WIKE, MAKINDE INTENSIFY BATTLE OVER CONTROL OF PDP STRUCTURE
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state and FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike has renewd battle for the control of PDP structures.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has formally relocated its 2025 Elective National Convention to Ibadan, which is located in the state of Oyo.
This decision is perceived to increase the influence of Governor Seyi Makinde, while simultaneously increasing tensions with Minister Nyesom Wike of the Federal Capital Territory.
The change was accepted during the 101st meeting of the party's National Executive Committee (NEC), which took place in Abuja.
Ambassador Iliya Damagum, who is acting as the National Chairman, presided over the meeting. The prior proposal to host the convention in Kano has been replaced by the current plan, which calls for the convention to take place on November 15–16. Debo Ologunagba, who serves as the National Publicity Secretary for the People's Democratic Party (PDP), characterised the move as a manifestation of the party's dedication to unity and discussion.
Makinde's presidential ambitions are apparently gaining ground as a result of the National Electoral Commission's decision to zone the 2027 presidential ticket to the South.
However, party insiders perceive the venue change as a political win for Makinde. An NEC member stated that the zoning scheme was intended to restore trust with southern stakeholders following the elections in 2023, while at the same time maintaining the current formula for other party offices in order to reduce the amount of friction that occurs inside the party. It is generally believed that this action is an attempt to solidify support in the southern region in preparation for future electoral elections.
The relationship between Makinde and Wike, which was already in a precarious state, has been further burdened by the development. Both Wike and Makinde were once allies, but now they are openly criticising each other. Wike accuses Makinde of weakening the People's Democratic Party (PDP), while Makinde's side claims that Wike is seeking to destroy the party in favour of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The National Electoral Commission (NEC) has also made the decision to commence legal proceedings in order to regain the seats of lawmakers who have defected. Despite the fact that preparations for the Ibadan convention are already underway, there are still questions regarding whether or not the ongoing rivalry could undermine the unity of the PDP in advance of the general elections in 2027.
SOURCE; VANGAURD
