Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has spoken publicly about his growing rift with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, suggesting that the former Rivers State governor is pursuing a political direction that threatens Nigeria’s democratic structure.
Speaking on the crisis currently shaking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) — including the clashes that erupted on Tuesday at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja — Makinde said his message to party members nationwide is one of “real hope.”
According to him, the ongoing turmoil transcends party politics and represents a critical battle for the survival of democracy in Nigeria.
“This is not about the PDP. It is about the future of democracy in Nigeria,” Makinde said.
“We should know that this is a case of it gets worse before it gets better. And if we have to stay here for the next two weeks so that democracy will survive in Nigeria, you will see us here.”
When asked what led to the ideological split between him and Wike — despite both being close allies and members of the influential G5 bloc prior to the 2023 elections — Makinde insisted the disagreement is rooted in principle, not personal conflict.
“Small minds talk about people. Average minds talk about events. We will rather talk about issues,” he stated.
The central issue, he said, is Wike’s alleged push toward a one-party Nigeria, a direction Makinde believes runs contrary to the intentions of the country’s Founding Fathers.
“We don’t believe in a one-party Nigeria. Our Founding Fathers gave us a multi-party democracy. We must sustain it so Nigerians can have options when choosing their leaders. That is the issue.”
Makinde emphasized that he has no interest in discussing personalities or past alliances, stressing that his focus remains on safeguarding political plurality and strengthening the nation’s democratic framework.
