By John Umeh
In a fresh escalation of intra-party rivalry, tensions have reached a boiling point within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as two of its most prominent figures — Nyesom Wike and Seyi Makinde — engage in a high-stakes political face-off ahead of the party’s much-anticipated National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.
The NEC session, scheduled to address pressing issues concerning the party’s future, unity, and strategic direction, has been overshadowed by the growing rift between the former Rivers State Governor, now FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, and the sitting Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde. Both men are influential powerbrokers within the PDP, and their discord signals deeper fractures threatening the party’s fragile cohesion as it seeks to reposition itself for 2027.
Power Struggle Intensifies
At the heart of the feud is a brewing power struggle, as both Wike and Makinde appear to be championing opposing camps within the party. Wike, once considered the PDP’s most visible financier and one of its most vocal critics post-2023 elections, has consistently questioned the party’s leadership structure and internal processes. His actions and recent alliances — some even crossing party lines — have unsettled many PDP loyalists.
Makinde, on the other hand, has emerged as a voice for moderation and strategic reform, pushing for the party to reclaim its credibility and national relevance through unity and internal democracy. However, his growing influence has seemingly put him at odds with Wike’s style of bold, confrontational politicking.
Sources close to the party indicate that the NEC meeting may be a decisive moment where critical decisions will be made regarding zoning, party leadership reforms, and the lingering post-election review process. Both camps are reportedly lobbying aggressively, hoping to gain the upper hand during the meeting.
Verbal Exchanges and Allegiances
In recent weeks, verbal jabs have been exchanged indirectly through proxies and media appearances. Wike, in particular, has not shied away from making veiled statements aimed at PDP governors he accuses of betrayal and lack of loyalty. Although he often stops short of naming names, the political undertone is clear — and Makinde is frequently perceived as a target.
Makinde’s camp has responded with calls for peace and focus, but the governor himself has also warned against what he described as “self-serving interests” threatening the PDP’s ability to reposition as a viable opposition force. He emphasized the need for inclusivity and warned that “no individual is greater than the collective strength of the party.”
Adding fuel to the fire, political analysts suggest that the clash may be a proxy battle for 2027, with both men eyeing significant roles either in the presidential race or as kingmakers.
NEC Meeting Under Heavy Watch
The upcoming NEC meeting is now expected to be anything but routine. Many party members are bracing for heated deliberations, walkouts, and possibly even reshuffling within the National Working Committee (NWC). The meeting is also likely to address Wike’s perceived closeness to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and how it aligns — or conflicts — with his continued identification as a PDP member.
Stakeholders within the PDP are calling for restraint and maturity from all involved, warning that an internal implosion could hand rival parties a strategic advantage, especially as political realignments begin in preparation for the next general elections.
As the PDP NEC gathers under a cloud of high-stakes internal tension, the outcome of the Wike-Makinde face-off could shape the future of Nigeria’s largest opposition party. Whether this marks a turning point toward unity or the beginning of deeper divisions remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: all eyes are now on the PDP leadership and how it navigates this precarious moment.
