A political analyst has asserted that Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde exercises full control over the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in his state, positioning him as a dominant regional figure against the backdrop of national party dynamics.
The assessment was provided by political scientist Akinwunmi Akinfenwa during an interview on Arise Television’s ‘Morning Show’ on Wednesday. Akinfenwa contrasted Governor Makinde’s firm grip on Ibadan’s political landscape with the influence of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike in Rivers State.
“While we can acknowledge that the FCT Minister Nyesom Wike is strong politically, when it comes to Ibadan politics, we must give it to Governor Seyi Makinde,” Akinfenwa stated. He explained that President Bola Tinubu’s recent public comments on the crisis within the Rivers State PDP were a pragmatic recognition of Minister Wike’s entrenched power.
According to Akinfenwa, President Tinubu is aware of Wike’s strong grassroots organization in Rivers and his critical role in delivering the state for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) during the 2023 elections. This perceived utility, the analyst suggested, drives the President’s strategy to maintain a working relationship with Wike.
“The President is aware of this, and so he has to bring him closer, because he’s thinking 2027 when there will be a presidential election,” Akinfenwa continued. “So he knows that he needs him. It’s a terrible thing in politics, but there’s nothing anybody can do about that.”
The comments highlight the complex interplay of regional power centers and presidential strategy within Nigeria’s opposition party. Governor Makinde’s asserted authority in Oyo, a pivotal southwestern state, underscores his significance within the PDP’s national structure. Meanwhile, the analysis suggests President Tinubu’s outreach to Wike is less about reconciliation and more a cold calculation for future electoral coalitions, acknowledging a rival’s enduring local strength as a potential asset. This dynamic points to a political environment where personal and regional influence often trumps formal party allegiance in the lead-up to the 2027 general election.
