By Agboola Aluko – GLiDE NEWS, Lagos | May 26, 2025
A fierce power tussle between two heavyweight figures in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)—Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike—is threatening to plunge the party into deeper crisis ahead of its long-awaited 99th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, slated for Tuesday, May 27.
The latest twist came on Sunday, when Wike dramatically announced his withdrawal from all reconciliation efforts, accusing Governor Makinde and Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah of betrayal and subverting internal agreements.
Sources within the PDP told GLiDE NEWS that the situation has prompted the party’s Board of Trustees to urgently summon a meeting in Abuja today, Monday, to salvage what is left of internal cohesion.
Behind the Rift
Wike’s statement, titled “PDP Crisis: My Position,” pointed to "dishonesty and lack of trust" as the root of the party’s internal fractures, particularly since the 2023 general elections. He alleged that Makinde was “the chief culprit,” engineering moves that violated gentlemen’s agreements reached by key stakeholders, including at a G5 meeting in Lagos and another at Bukola Saraki’s residence in Abuja.
Among those agreements was the recognition of Senator Samuel Anyanwu as the PDP’s National Secretary—an issue that has become a fresh flashpoint. Wike accused Makinde and Mbah of scheming to replace Anyanwu with Ude Okoye, thus violating the Supreme Court’s ruling and destabilizing internal party structures.
He also claimed that a properly convened zonal congress in Jos was aborted on May 24 because the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) did not recognize the invitation letter signed by the Deputy National Secretary rather than Anyanwu, the legally recognized signatory.
Postponements and Broken Pacts
The PDP’s NEC meeting has already faced several postponements. Initially slated for August 15, 2024, it was shifted multiple times—October 24, November 28, and then indefinitely. Under pressure, the PDP Governors’ Forum insisted in December that the NEC must meet no later than February 2025. Yet, the date was moved again to March, then finally settled for May 27 during an April meeting in Ibadan.
To ensure the NEC meeting holds, a seven-member committee headed by former Senate President Bukola Saraki was tasked with bridging differences. But that effort now hangs in the balance, as Wike’s withdrawal throws a wrench in the fragile truce.
Saraki Responds
Speaking through his media aide, Yusuph Olaniyonu, Saraki expressed optimism that reconciliation was still possible. “Wike’s decision isn’t a complete setback—it shows there’s still work to be done. We’ll continue to engage all stakeholders,” he said in a phone interview with GLiDE NEWS.
Saraki also warned against letting the PDP implode, emphasizing the dangers of a one-party state. “The PDP is the only legacy party left in Nigeria. If it collapses, it will be a tragic blow to democratic pluralism.”
What’s Next?
Reliable sources disclosed to GLiDE NEWS that the Saraki-led committee held an emergency session Sunday night to determine if the NEC meeting can proceed without further inflaming tensions. Those invited to the session include Governors Makinde, Mbah, Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), acting PDP Chairman Umar Damagum, and National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade.
Insiders say Wike’s camp is pressing for a total boycott of Tuesday’s NEC meeting, while Makinde’s bloc is determined to see it through.
“The outcome of tonight’s meeting will determine everything—the fate of the NEC meeting and, possibly, the future of the party itself,” one top official confided.
Despite repeated attempts by GLiDE NEWS to obtain responses from Makinde and Mbah, their media teams declined comment.
As the PDP’s internal power play deepens, many observers believe the coming days could mark a turning point for the opposition party—one that may either signal rebirth or political extinction.
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