Crisis in PDP: We Won’t Sink to Wike’s Level – Gov. Makinde Declares

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has stated emphatically that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will not descend to what he described as the “gutter level” of Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, amid ongoing internal tensions within the party.

Speaking in Lagos on Thursday during a stakeholders’ meeting of the PDP zoning committee, Makinde emphasized the party’s commitment to unity, strategic consultations, and internal reforms ahead of its crucial National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for Monday.

“Personally, when people go low, or they go into the gutters, I don’t go with them,” Makinde said in response to Wike’s recent comments opposing any attempt to remove South-South Zonal Chairman, Dan Orbih.

Addressing journalists after the consultative meeting, Makinde clarified that while the gathering was not a constitutional requirement, it was a deliberate step toward inclusive decision-making within the PDP.

“A decision is coming, and it is an NEC decision… democracy is about inclusivity, reaching out, and ensuring all stakeholders are carried along, which is what we’ve done today,” he noted.

When asked about the status of micro-zoning and the potential of the South producing the PDP’s next presidential candidate, Makinde stressed that the party must first stabilize before such discussions can be meaningful.

“We haven’t even gotten there. We need to have a party first before you start talking about presidential candidates. If we don’t have a party, anything that you’re trying to do will fall flat,” he explained.

The Oyo governor underlined that the immediate priority is the survival and unification of the PDP, describing the party as alive and rebuilding, despite claims of its decline.

“We’re trying to get all stakeholders, all tendencies in the PDP together so that we can give a credible alternative to Nigerians in the years ahead,” Makinde said.

He dismissed suggestions that the party is defunct, pointing to recent electoral performances and the turnout of influential leaders at the meeting as proof of PDP’s relevance.

“Those saying PDP is dead—at least, with the calibre of people here, sitting governors, former governors, BoT chairman, former Senate president—all committed to PDP’s future, we are clearly taking steps to reclaim our rightful place in Nigeria,” he added.

Makinde also affirmed the PDP’s democratic commitment to reaching out to aggrieved members, saying disagreement should not become personal.

“We will reach out to them. That is democracy. I can disagree with people, but it shouldn’t be personal. It should be about what we are offering Nigerians,” he said.

He cited last Saturday’s local elections in Oyo State as proof that PDP remains a viable force, adding that the party came second in most of the 12 states where elections were held.

Notable leaders at the Lagos meeting included Governor Ademola Adeleke (represented via message), Governor Douye Diri, Deputy Governor of Enugu (on behalf of Governor Peter Mbah), former Akwa Ibom Governor Udom Emmanuel, PDP BoT Chairman Adolphus Wabara, Bode George, and Senator Ben Obi.

The zoning committee, with representatives from 12 of the 17 southern states, also included members of the House of Representatives, Senate, and Board of Trustees (BoT) from all three southern zones.

Makinde concluded by reiterating that the outcome of the NEC meeting on Monday would offer clearer direction on zoning and the party’s strategic future.

“Today is Thursday. Our NEC is on Monday. You will definitely have a decision,” he said.