Uncertainty over Makinde’s next move
There is anxiety in the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State, especially among supporters of Governor Seyi Makinde, as he remains silent on his next political step. Party members
There is anxiety in the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State, especially among supporters of Governor Seyi Makinde, as he remains silent on his next political step.
Party members and loyalists who have been waiting for clarity may need to exercise more patience as key electoral deadlines approach. Aspirants preparing for next year’s elections are particularly uneasy, as they remain unsure of the platform on which they will contest.
The situation has been further complicated by recent political developments, including the defection of Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed from the PDP to the Allied Peoples Movement (APM). That move has intensified speculation that Makinde could follow a similar path. Some party insiders claim the governor has already decided to leave the PDP and has quietly advised aspirants not to purchase nomination forms under the party.
Possible destinations under discussion include the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and the APM, with some suggesting a decision could be made within days. However, others insist Makinde remains committed to the PDP, noting that he is now the party’s only governor in the Southwest.
A senior PDP figure in the region, believed to be close to the governor, acknowledged that Makinde’s exit from the party could happen at any time. However, he admitted uncertainty about the governor’s preferred destination.
This prolonged ambiguity is beginning to reshape the political landscape in Oyo State. Aspirants are increasingly anxious as the Independent National Electoral Commission’s May 9 deadline for party membership registration draws near, ahead of primaries scheduled before May 30.
At a recent stakeholders’ meeting in Ibadan, Makinde maintained that he was satisfied with the PDP and dismissed immediate plans to defect. However, he also noted that the party’s next move would depend on the outcome of a Supreme Court judgment related to its internal crisis.
Although he assured supporters that the PDP would be on the ballot, he did not rule out adopting an alternative platform if the ruling went against his faction.
That judgment, which nullified the November 2025 national convention held in Ibadan, has only deepened divisions within the party. Both factions continue to interpret the ruling in ways that support their claims to leadership, leaving the crisis unresolved.
Political stakeholders in the state are increasingly worried about the ticking clock. For many aspirants, time is running out to make critical decisions about their political future.
Sources within the party say the uncertainty is taking a psychological toll on members aligned with Makinde. Many are reportedly frustrated by the prolonged crisis, while others are beginning to lose confidence in the party’s ability to resolve its internal disputes.
One insider described the situation as exhausting, noting that neither faction appears willing to уield ground for fear of appearing weak.
Another source defended Makinde’s approach, pointing to the recent inauguration of an Interim National Working Committee led by Taminu Turaki as a strategic move. According to this view, maintaining the current standoff may be a way to counterbalance the opposing faction’s plans.
Still, concerns persist about the electoral timetable. With deadlines looming, some party members are already considering alternative options, including defecting to other parties.
“There’s a lot of frustration,” one source said. “People don’t know where they’ll be contesting, and there are also concerns about how candidates will be selected. Many are keeping quiet for now, but they’re waiting to see the final list before making their next move.”
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Recent defections underscore the growing unease. In February, a member of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Dawood Akanni Olalere, left the PDP for the African Democratic Congress (ADC). In March, Ibadan-based politician Adegboyega Adegoke also resigned from the party, citing its “intractable crisis,” and subsequently joined the ADC to pursue his governorship ambition.
Similarly, Femi Onireti, a House of Representatives aspirant, defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in April and was quickly appointed Director-General of the City Boy Movement in Oyo State.
There have also been subtle shifts within the PDP itself. Governorship aspirant Beulah Adeoye recently aligned with a rival faction, holding meetings with key figures associated with that bloc.
Earlier defections had fueled speculation that some politicians were positioning themselves ahead of a possible mass movement led by Makinde. His recent interactions with national political figures, including those linked to the ADC, further strengthened that narrative.
However, emerging developments now cast doubt on whether such a coordinated realignment will materialise.
For now, two major questions remain unanswered for Makinde’s supporters: which political platform will they adopt, and who will emerge as the governor’s preferred successor.
While uncertainty persists over the first issue, sources suggest that Makinde may have already settled on his successor, with an announcement expected soon.
