The internal crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) took a dramatic turn on Thursday, following a significant mass defection that saw several Governor Seyi Makinde loyalists dump the party.
The PDP has been embroiled in a series of crises in the last few months. Reports indicate that the party structure has effectively split into two distinct camps.
A faction of the party remains loyal to the governor, while another faction is loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mr Nyesom Wike. This rift between the Nyesom Wike faction and local leadership has left many stalwarts questioning their future within the fold as the 2027 Oyo State elections approach.
Mass Defection: Key Chieftains Exit Party Structure
It was gathered that many key loyalists of Governor Seyi Makinde in Oyo State have left the party. The loyalists announced their defection from the PDP on Thursday in separate locations. While the Nyesom Wike faction continues to exert influence from the centre, the local fallout in Ibadan and surrounding zones suggests a coordinated withdrawal.
Although there are speculations that they are on their way to the Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM), none of those who resigned from the PDP stated the next political party they intend to join.
As at the last count, no fewer than ten prominent chieftains of the party in the state had dumped the party. Some of those who dumped the party are gubernatorial aspirant on the platform of the party, Ambassador Olufemi Oguntoyinbo; Special Adviser on Security to the governor, Mr Fatai Owoseni; and Chairman of Oluyole Local Government Area, Engineer Akeem Olatunji.
Legislative Blow to the PDP
The list of defectors extends deep into the legislative arm. Others who have left the party include the Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Abiodun Fadeyi; member of the House of Representatives representing Ibarapa North/Ibarapa Central Federal Constituency, Anthony Adepoju; his counterpart representing Ibadan North East/Ibadan South East Federal Constituency, Abass Adigun; and the member representing Ibadan North West/Ibadan South West Federal Constituency, Hon. Adedeji Olajide (Odidiomo).
These lawmakers have historically been the engine room of the party’s legislative success. Their decision to leave the party simultaneously suggests a calculated move to seek alternative platforms before the heat of the 2027 Oyo State elections begins in earnest.
Fallout of the Nyesom Wike Faction Rivalry
The current instability within the PDP provides an opening for opposition parties to consolidate. If the Oyo PDP mass defection continues at this pace, the governor may find himself isolated within his own party.
Political analysts suggest that the ongoing tension between the pro-Makinde camp and the Nyesom Wike faction is no longer a mere disagreement but a fundamental breakdown of the party’s regional structure. With the next general election cycle approaching, the PDP’s ability to retain its stronghold in the Southwest is now under intense scrutiny.
