Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, is reportedly weighing a defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the emerging Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), in strong alliance with Senator Seriake Dickson.
Hint of the possibility of the governor defecting to NDC became stronger as the crisis rocking PDP, the opposition party, has continued to deepen, both at national and state levels.
A source disclosed at the weekend that former Bayelsa State governor, Senator Seriake Dickson, has intensified efforts to bring Makinde into the NDC fold, positioning the platform as a stabilising alternative amid growing dis-affection within the PDP.
It was further revealed that the move of Makinde to NDC was gaining traction, particularly among the two remaining PDP governors and stakeholders frustrated with the party’s lingering internal disputes and ongoing developments within the coalition African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had, last Wednesday, derecognised of the Senator David Mark-led leadership of the ADC National Working Committee (NWC) due to lingering court cases surrounding the adoption of the party by opposition leaders.
In Oyo State, the internal squabbles over the contest for succession in the PDP has further aggravated the divisions within the party, following the screening of governorship aspirants.
Those confirmed to have been screened by the Bolaji Ayorinde (SAN) Committee included a member of the House of Representatives representing Ibadan South-West/North-East, Adedeji Olajide (Odidiomo); state chairman of Universal Basic Education, Dr. Nureni Aderemi Adeniran; former Commissioner for Finance, Budget, and Planning during the late former Governor Abiola Ajimobi’s administration, Bimbo Adekanmbi; state DG of the Agribusiness Development Agency, Debo Akande; and Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin, among others.
It was, however, gathered that insiders within the Oyo PDP have insisted that, beyond the formal screening process, some individuals were perceived to enjoy the confidence of the governor.
While Makinde has publicly maintained that competence and loyalty will guide his decision, there is a perceived growing belief that he is more comfortable with technocratic and reform-minded aspirants who align closely with his style of governance.
The governor also lent credence to the pervading insinuation as he would not hesitate to disclose, at any available forum, his preference for a candidate that would ensure continuity of his administration.
A senior party figure in Ibadan was reported to have said: “The governor is not just looking for a successor; he is looking for continuity of his policy direction.
“That is why those who understand his economic reforms, infrastructure drive, and administrative approach are being quietly assessed beyond the surface of the screening exercise.”
At the national level, the PDP crisis remains unresolved, with the lingering rift between Makinde and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, worsening the situation.
The struggle for control of party structures has polarised the PDP, with several blocs emerging across the country and thus reducing it to a shadow of its former self as the biggest political party in Africa.
The crisis took a sharper turn following the position of INEC, which recognised officials produced during last week’s National Convention of the party, thus affirming Wike’s leadership in the party.
Amid these developments, Makinde would be meeting with key stakeholders in Oyo PDP on Wednesday, April 8, in what insiders describe as a “make-or-break” consultation.
Expectedly, the meeting would shape his political direction, including whether he remains in the PDP or aligns with the emerging NDC coalition.
A source declared: “This is not a decision he will take lightly. He understands the implications for Oyo State and for national politics.
“The April 8 meeting is about listening to the people who have stood with him politically and weighing all available options carefully. The date has been communicated to relevant stakeholders since two weeks ago.”
On the lobbying by Dickson, another insider revealed: “Senator Seriake Dickson has made a strong case that the NDC can provide a fresh start.
“His argument is that the PDP, in its current form, may not be salvageable before the next election cycle. He believes leaders like Makinde are crucial.
“If Makinde eventually moves, it will not just be about him. It will affect the entire political structure in Oyo. Those seen as aligned with him, especially among the aspirants, will likely follow, and that could significantly alter the balance ahead of 2027.”
