FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike and Governor Seyi Makinde don’t get along. Over the last few months, both have been tackling each other publicly. Both are fighting due to a deep-seated power struggle and mistrust rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Part of the fight is over the control of party finance. Wike feels Makinde’s financial support to the PDP secretariat has given him significant influence, allowing him to push for certain candidates, like Ude Okoye as National Secretary, despite a Supreme Court ruling recognising Senator Samuel Anyanwu’s position. Wike sees this as Makinde overstepping and undermining party agreements.
Wike has accused Makinde of violating reconciliation agreements, including recognizing Anyanwu as National Secretary and withdrawing the court cases involving Rivers State. Makinde allegedly reneged on these promises, leading to Wike’s distrust.
The dispute over the National Secretary role has exacerbated tensions. Wike insists that Anyanwu should occupy the position based on the Supreme Court ruling, while Makinde supports Okoye.
Both Wike and Makinde play key roles within the party, with Wike wielding national influence and Makinde controlling party finances. This clash of power and interests has fueled their rivalry.
The sealing up of the PDP National Secretariat, allegedly linked to Wike’s influence, has further deepened mistrust between the 2 leaders.
These factors have created a rift between Wike and Makinde, with each side accusing the other of betrayal and dishonesty. The conflict has sparked concerns about the PDP’s internal unity and its prospects for the 2027 elections.
But won’t this fight affect the stability of PDP, City People asked some PDP chieftains. Yes, they believe the ongoing feud between Nyesom Wike and Seyi Makinde will significantly affect the stability of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). So far, their disagreement has led to Internal divisions. The party is fragmented, with members taking sides and loyalty becoming a major issue.
Wike and Makinde have differing opinions on key positions, such as the National Secretary role, which has sparked controversy and power struggles.
Repeated breaches of agreements have also eroded trust between the two leaders, making it challenging to find a common ground.
The feud has played out publicly, damaging the party’s reputation and credibility.
Efforts by former Senate President Bukola Saraki to mediate have been met with resistance. And the party’s future now hangs in the balance.
The PDP’s stability is crucial, as its internal conflicts may weaken opposition. A divided PDP may struggle to present a united front against ruling parties, potentially impacting Nigeria’s democratic landscape, observed political analysts.
Infighting and lack of cohesion could harm the party’s chances in future elections.
Some argue that the party’s instability may have broader implications for Nigeria’s democracy, potentially leading to authoritarianism.
Many feel the situation is critical, and resolving the conflict is essential for the PDP’s survival and Nigeria’s democratic health Right now, the PDP is facing a controversy over its national convention venue. Initially, the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) scheduled the Convention for August 28-30, 2025, in Kano. However, there’s another convention planned for November 15-16, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State.
There are rumours that a faction of the PDP has scheduled a national convention for August 28-30, 2025, in Kano, focusing on party reunification and electing new leadership.
A different group within the party is planning a convention for November 15-16, 2025, in Ibadan, which might be an attempt to hold a parallel convention.
The PDP has dismissed rumors of a parallel convention, stating that the party is united and preparing for the November convention in Ibadan.
Revealed an insider, the dual conventions if allowed could exacerbate internal conflicts within the PDP, potentially weakening the party’s chances in future elections.
The legitimacy of the Convention and the leadership elected might be questioned if the party fails to resolve its internal disputes.
What is Wikes view about the Ibadan venue?
City People can reveal that Nyesom Wike isn’t pleased with the choice of Ibadan as the venue for the PDP’s November national convention. He views this decision as a strategic move by Governor Seyi Makinde to consolidate his influence within the party, potentially undermining Wike’s power.
The convention’s venue was initially supposed to be Kano, but the PDP’s National Executive Committee ratified Ibadan as the new location in July. This change has sparked controversy, with Wike accusing Makinde of subverting the party.
Wike believes the choice of Ibadan favors Makinde’s interests and undermines his own influence within the party.
Over the months, Wike has accused Makinde of violating agreements and betraying trust, contributing to the party’s internal conflicts.
The rivalry between Wike and Makinde is intensifying, with each side vying for Control and Influence within the PDP.
The Convention is expected to be a crucial event, potentially determining the PDP’s future direction and leadership. The outcome may either unite or further fracture the party .
Nyesom Wike’s preference for an approproriate PDP convention venue isn’t explicitly stated.
But it’s clear that he’s unhappy with the chosen venue, Ibadan, due to his rift with Governor Seyi Makinde. Wike has threatened to disrupt the convention over unresolved issues within the party.
Wike questions the legitimacy of the Ibadan convention, citing lack of notice to NEC members and unresolved party issues.
Wike’s rift with Makinde and other unresolved issues have led to a potential crisis of immense proportion that might affect the Convention.
We hear Wike won’t mind Abuja as Venue.
Wike has attended many significant PDP meetings in Abuja, such as a Stakeholders’ meeting at the Bauchi Governor’s Lodge, where party issues were discussed.
It’s uncertain whether Wike specifically wants the convention to be held in Abuja, but his dissatisfaction with the current arrangements is evident. The PDP leadership, including National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba, insists the convention will proceed as planned in Ibadan.
What is Umar Damagun’s role in all these? He is the acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and his role has been a bone of contention within the party.
Some Stakeholders, backed by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, wanted Damagun to step down and hand over to a representative from the North Central zone, as per the party’s Constitution. Atiku believes Damagun should return to his original role as Deputy National Chairman (North). Atiku has since left PDP for ADC.
Seven governors, led by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, are pushing for Damagun’s removal, while four others, led by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, support his retention. Makinde’s camp argues that Damagun’s leadership has provided stability, and removing him would create more problems.
Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, aligns with the governors supporting Damagun’s retention. Wike and Makinde were once part of the G5 group, but their relationship has soured due to disagreements over party decisions and power dynamics.
As you read this, the PDP is grappling with internal conflicts, leadership disputes, and a desperate attempt to maintain its position as Nigeria’s main opposition party. The crisis has raised concerns about the party’s ability to present a united front against the ruling APC in the 2027 elections.
The ongoing feud between Wike and Makinde, coupled with the dispute over Damagun’s tenure, has created a deep-seated power struggle within the PDP. This infighting may impact the party’s chances in future elections and its ability to provide a credible alternative to the ruling APC.
Given the current situation, Damagun is holding on to his position, and there’s no clear indication that he intends to step down or “come back” as Chairman, since he’s already in the role. The court ruling has further solidified his position, at least for now.
Won’t a new Chairman emerge at the Convention?
Yes. A new chairman is likely to emerge at the PDP’s national convention scheduled for November 15-16, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State. However, there’s an ongoing power struggle within the party, with some members backing Umar Damagun’s retention as Acting Chairman, while others advocate for a new leader.
Potential candidates include PDP topshots like:
Umar Damagun: Some PDP members are pushing for Damagun to remain as acting Chairman until the end of 2025 and potentially secure his election as substantive chairman at the convention.
Jerry Gana: A former Minister, Gana is vying for the PDP chairmanship position ahead of the November convention.
Ex-Chairman Baraje is another contender for the top spot.
Ahmed Makarfi: Former Governor Makarfi is also interested in becoming the PDP Chairman.
