2027: Nyesom Wike and Seyi Makinde Rift Deepens as PDP Moves Convention to Ibadan

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has shifted its 2025 Elective National Convention to Ibadan, Oyo State, in a move widely perceived as bolstering the influence of Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and further straining relations with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

According to Vanguard, the decision was ratified at the party’s 101st National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held Thursday in Abuja, chaired by Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Iliya Damagum.

The convention will now be held from November 15 to 16, 2025, replacing an earlier tentative plan for Kano.

PDP National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, said the decision reflected the party’s commitment to unity and dialogue.

“The NEC expressed satisfaction with dispute resolutions across the party.

This reaffirms our tradition of internal democracy,” he said.

However, sources within the party suggest the venue change is a strategic victory for Governor Makinde, whose presidential aspirations are reportedly gaining momentum, especially after the NEC also agreed to zone the 2027 presidential ticket to the South.

A PDP NEC member, speaking anonymously, said, “We opted to rebuild trust with the South after 2023 and retained the existing zoning formula for party offices to avoid more friction.”

The developments have exacerbated the rift between Wike and Makinde.

Once allies, the two have become vocal critics of each other.

Wike accuses Makinde of subverting the party, while Makinde’s supporters allege Wike is working to weaken the PDP in favor of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The NEC also mandated legal steps to reclaim the seats of defecting lawmakers, citing constitutional provisions.

Meanwhile, preparations for the Ibadan convention continue amid concerns the ongoing feud may threaten PDP’s unity ahead of the 2027 polls.