In a direct political strike on the home turf of Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) faction loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has taken over the party’s state secretariat in Ibadan.
The takeover marks a dramatic escalation in the protracted battle for the soul of the PDP, following months of legal battles, parallel congresses, and conflicting claims over party legitimacy across the country.
Heavy Security and Factional Affirmation
Supported by security personnel, members of the Wike-aligned group—led in Oyo State by newly affirmed chairman Dr. Abdulrahman Akinoso—secured the premises to establish operational control over administrative activities.
The movement follows recent judicial pronouncements and police actions that previously handed control of the PDP National Secretariat (Wadata Plaza) in Abuja to the Wike-backed National Working Committee (NWC) led by Abdulrahman Mohammed.
┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ OYO PDP LEADERSHIP CRISIS │
├────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ • Location : PDP State Secretariat, Ibadan, Oyo State │
│ │
│ • Key Figureheads : Nyesom Wike (FCT Minister) vs. Seyi Makinde │
│ (Oyo State Governor) │
│ │
│ • Local Alignment : Wike-backed faction led by Dr. Abdulrahman │
│ Akinoso asserts constitutional control. │
│ │
│ • State Stance : Makinde loyalists dismiss the action, maintaining│
│ the move is illegal and politically null. │
└────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
(Sources: Oyo PDP Secretariat Briefings & Security Operations Reports)
Escalating Battle Between Wike and Makinde
The takeover directly targets Governor Seyi Makinde, who alongside former Special Duties Minister Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN), has been leading the opposing PDP camp.
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Wike’s Challenge: Speaking recently in Abuja, Wike openly challenged Makinde’s group to open separate accounts and secretariats if they truly hold the legal structure of the party, insisting court rulings have placed the authentic machinery in his camp’s hands.
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Makinde Camp’s Pushback: Representatives of Makinde’s group have described Wike’s aggressive maneuvers as “political rascality,” maintaining that higher judicial appeals remain pending and warning against state-level provocation.
“We have taken charge to restore order, begin grassroots membership registration, and align Oyo State fully with the recognized national leadership of our great party ahead of future elections.” — Oyo Wike-Faction Executive Statement
What Comes Next?
With Governor Seyi Makinde currently scheduled for his annual leave and Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal serving as Acting Governor, tension remains high across Ibadan as Makinde’s loyalists weigh legal and political options to reclaim the state party apparatus.
Ayodele Quadri
Correspondent
