A political analyst has stated that Governors Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State may field proxy candidates in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) while remaining in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to counter the influence of former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike. The analysis highlights a deepening strategic rift within Nigeria’s main opposition party.
According to Sumner Sambo, who spoke on Arise Television’s Morning Show, Makinde and Mohammed are positioning themselves to avoid aligning with Wike’s faction. Sambo quoted Bala Mohammed, who chairs the PDP Governors Forum, as saying he can no longer be in the same political camp with Wike, citing alleged betrayals that contributed to Wike’s rise. The comment reflects growing personal and ideological divisions among three prominent PDP figures—Makinde, Mohammed, and Wike—who have been central to the party’s recent history.
Sambo suggested that Makinde faces a binary choice: either formally defect to the ADC or remain within the PDP to ensure his preferred successor gains control of the party structure. The objective, he explained, would be to effectively neutralize the PDP as a national vehicle for Wike’s future ambitions, particularly concerning the 2027/2031 electoral cycle. “The thinking is that if they cannot resurrect the PDP right now, then Wike should not have the PDP in 2031 to advance his political cause,” Sambo said, noting that party members already hold these three governors responsible for the PDP’s precarious state.
The PDP has been plagued by sustained internal wrangling, resulting in visible factionalism and leadership disputes. This instability has prompted defections and weakened the party’s coherence as it prepares for future elections. Sambo’s remarks underscore a potential scenario where key governors opt for indirect confrontation, using allied parties to fragment the political landscape while battling for control of the PDP’s machinery.
The development signals a critical juncture for the opposition. Should Makinde and Mohammed pursue the ADC strategy, it could further splinter the PDP and alter coalition dynamics ahead of the 2027 general election. The manoeuvre also highlights how personal relationships and historical grievances are reshaping party alliances, with long-term implications for Nigeria’s opposition unity and electoral competitiveness. The next steps will likely hinge on whether these governors formalize their脱离 or wage a covert battle within the PDP’s remaining structures.
