Recent changes within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have seen some party bigwigs loyal to Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike start pushing for Makinde’s candidacy in the 2027 presidential election. , all eyes are on Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde.
These moves indicate that relations with Atiku Abubakar, former vice president and PDP’s 2023 presidential candidate, have cooled, with some party leaders believing the last election was a prime time to return to power. They still blame him for missed opportunities.
Party officials who spoke to Panch on condition of anonymity said they remain disappointed in Atiku’s handling of the 2023 election campaign.
They believed that his failure to address the concerns of the G5 governors (5 influential PDP governors who had called for the resignation of the then party national chairman, Iyorukia Ayu) had caused great damage to the party. are.
Despite calls for unity, many leaders say they are not fully reconciled with Atiku, suggesting his influence may be waning.
On the other hand, Governor Makinde responded to the growing calls for his candidacy with a cautious attitude. Speaking to journalists during a visit to Fashola Farm in Oyo town last month, he denied speculation about his political ambitions. “I have reached an age where I can express my opinion on any issue without fear or intimidation. If I have something to say about my political future, I will say it publicly,” Makinde said. and emphasized independence.
Speaking at a recent event at the inauguration of the Olusoji Adagunodo Regional Secretariat of the PDP in Ibadan, Makinde further said that the 2027 elections will be a contest between the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Nigerian people. I warned you it would happen.
He reiterated his position, saying, “No one can set an agenda for my career," and warned against outside attempts to influence his political path.
As the PDP battles lingering internal divisions and power struggles, members continue to grapple with questions about the future of the party’s leadership and unity.
The party's path to 2027 remains uncertain, with Makinde’s name emerging as a potential candidate and Wike’s faction gaining support.
A source who spoke about developments within the party said: you will fail it. Look at the mess he caused us in the 2023 election. What was so difficult about kneeling before the five hurt governors (G-5) and winning the election for us?
“Now, the person you have a problem with is one of those men you were crying about. Wait until after the election and deceive Wike like (former President Olusegun) Obasanjo did when he was in office. He could have done that. Mr. Atiku was not serious or sincere about winning the presidency.”
