Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has been defended by Diran Odeyemi, a member of the National Executive Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), against claims that he is undermining the party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar. Odeyemi emphasized that Makinde is a dedicated party member committed to the party’s success in the upcoming elections. He suggested that the governor is strategically navigating his political future.
In September 2022, Makinde, along with Governors Nyesom Wike, Samuel Ortom, Okezie Ikpeazu, and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi from Rivers, Benue, Abia, and Enugu states, respectively, resigned from the PDP Presidential Campaign Council. Their resignation was a protest against Iyorchia Ayu’s continued position as the national chairman of the party. The governors, led by Wike, demanded Ayu’s resignation following Atiku’s victory in the presidential primary in May 2022, arguing that this change was necessary for regional balance in the distribution of national and party offices, as stipulated by the PDP constitution. The group, known as the Integrity Group, was expected to announce their preferred candidate this month; however, their inability to reach a consensus has left them without a clear position.
Odeyemi remarked that Governor Makinde is being strategic and looking out for his own interests. He noted that Makinde financed Atiku’s rally in Oyo State, and all of his associates, except for Taofeek Arapaja, the Deputy National Chairman (South), attended the rally, pledging their loyalty to Atiku Abubakar. So far, only Ortom has distanced himself from Atiku, directing his aides and associates to support the Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
Makinde’s allegiance to the Integrity Group has recently come under scrutiny. While he has largely avoided pro-Atiku events, his Deputy Governor, Adebayo Lawal, has actively participated in many of them. A former governor from one of the North-West states, speaking confidentially, described Makinde’s actions as a reflection of “real politicking.” He explained that in politics, it is crucial not to sever ties with former allies, as those connections may be needed in the future. The former governor pointed out that during the flag-off of Makinde’s campaign rally, chants of Atiku were prominent, indicating the governor’s awareness of the political landscape. He also mentioned a recent secret meeting between Makinde and Atiku, where they agreed to collaborate.
Timothy Osadolor, the Deputy National Youth Leader, praised Makinde as a savvy politician who knows when to act in his best interest. He expressed confidence in the governor’s commitment to the party, suggesting that Wike would soon realize the futility of his plans to support a rival presidential candidate. Osadolor stated, “Governor Makinde is a very smart young man. He knows when to say yes and when to say no. He has distanced himself from Wike’s antics.” He added that Makinde is aware of the prevailing political sentiments and is making calculated moves, while Wike remains uncertain. Osadolor concluded by asserting that Nigerians recognize Atiku as the likely next President and that the people of Oyo are aligned with their desire for good governance, which they believe will be better fulfilled under Atiku’s leadership. This sentiment was evident during the kickoff of Makinde’s re-election campaign.
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