The internal struggle within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) escalated on Tuesday, as Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde’s Special Adviser on Federal Constituency Matters, Mr. Dare Adeleke, publicly criticized the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
According to a report by The Punch, Adeleke accused Wike of orchestrating a scheme to weaken the PDP in favour of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). He claimed that Wike’s actions are geared towards clearing the path for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.
“The former governor of Rivers State and now Minister of the FCT appears to have turned governance into a personal enterprise. I believe President Bola Tinubu should call him to order,” Adeleke said.
He described Wike’s persistent verbal attacks on PDP leadership as “undemocratic and arrogant,” suggesting they reflect a deeper intent to create a one-party system in Nigeria. Adeleke added that such efforts were counterproductive and could backfire on the country’s democratic structure.
In his statement, Adeleke also faulted Wike for shifting blame onto Governor Makinde for failed reconciliation efforts within the party. He said Wike’s attempts to paint Makinde as the source of the PDP’s troubles were misleading and unfair.
“Wike speaks from both sides of his mouth,” Adeleke said. “How can someone, over personal grievances, seek to destroy political parties? If Wike wanted APC to be the only party in Nigeria, he would have achieved that by now.”
The tension reportedly deepened following claims that Wike made moves to prevent the PDP from holding a critical National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting. Adeleke alleged that one such move included an attempt to shut down the party’s national secretariat.
The Ekiti State PDP Caretaker Chairman echoed Adeleke’s concerns, stating that Wike’s recent behaviour suggested he saw himself as the centre of Nigeria’s political operations.
Despite the turmoil, Adeleke commended Governor Makinde for staying firm in the face of pressure. “We thank Governor Seyi Makinde, who has remained resolute and committed to the truth. Wike’s statements are riddled with contradictions,” he said.
As the 2027 general elections draw nearer, the friction between key PDP figures could have lasting effects on the party’s cohesion and electoral strength.
Article updated 3 weeks ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
