Dare Babalola
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has disclosed the reason behind his fallout with Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
According to Makinde who spoke to newsmen on Tuesday, the issue is centered around party discipline and the need to uphold the rules of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Makinde emphasised that the PDP should be a multiparty democracy, allowing Nigerians to have options when choosing their leaders.
He stressed that the party’s founding fathers envisioned a system where multiple parties could thrive, ensuring citizens have a say in governance.
Asked why he is no longer friends with former governor Wike who was a member of the G-5, Makinde said, “Small minds talk about people, average minds talks about events. We will rather talk about issues. What’s the issue? The issue is we don’t believe in one party in Nigeria. We believe that our founding fathers gave us a multi party democracy. We must sustain it so that Nigerians can have options when they are choosing their leaders. That is the issue. I don’t want to talk about individuals, and I don’t want to talk about events.”
Earlier, Wike had accused Makinde of orchestrating a breach of trust and undermining party unity. Wike claims that Makinde’s actions, including promoting Ude Okoye as National Secretary, are a betrayal of their agreements.
The feud between Makinde and Wike has led to a heated standoff at the PDP National Secretariat, with both factions attempting to assert control over the party. The situation remains volatile, with fears of violence and unrest.
Recall that Wike and Makinde were key members of the G-5, a bloc of governors within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that sought to reform the party’s leadership and zonal structure.
The group, formed in 2022, consisted of Wike, Makinde, Samuel Ortom (Benue), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu). They demanded the resignation of PDP National Chairman Iyorchia Ayu, citing concerns over the party’s direction and zoning formula.
The G-5 governors initially presented a united front, but their alliance eventually crumbled over disagreements on the party’s presidential ticket and leadership.
Wike’s decision to support APC candidate Bola Tinubu in the 2023 elections further strained relations, with Makinde remaining committed to the PDP.
The rift between Wike and Makinde has since escalated, with both accusing each other of undermining party unity and pursuing personal ambitions.
