Makinde Slams Wike Over Oyo PDP Affairs, Questions His Record in Rivers

By Margaret Abah

Ibadan, Nigeria — Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has sharply criticised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, over his recent comments and declared interest in the affairs of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State.

Governor Makinde dismissed Wike’s claim of having a stake in the Oyo PDP as “laughable,” arguing that the former Rivers governor failed to strengthen the party during his tenure in Rivers State.

In a video sighted by Spatula Newspaper, Makinde questioned Wike’s credentials within the party, saying his track record in Rivers PDP did not justify his current posture.

“Someone said he wants to pick interest in Oyo PDP. We should ask him what he has done in Rivers PDP,” Makinde said.

The governor further stated that individuals he described as “vagabonds” had already been expelled from the party, stressing that the PDP had taken decisive steps to sanitise its internal structure.

“Some vagabond surfaced fully in 2015 and were expelled in 2025. Ask him what he has done with the PDP in Rivers State to now have an interest in Oyo PDP,” Makinde added.

Makinde’s remarks come amid escalating internal tensions within the opposition party, following Wike’s public declaration of interest in the Oyo State chapter of the PDP.

On Monday night, during the 105th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the party held in Abuja, Wike openly declared his involvement in the affairs of the Oyo PDP, insisting his actions were driven by a desire to protect the party’s survival.

“Let me declare my interest clearly: I am interested in the survival and success of this party. I am also interested in all the happenings in Oyo State PDP. That is all I am interested in,” Wike said at the meeting, where he also vowed to resist what he described as internal “vampires” within the party.

It will be recalled that in November 2025, the PDP expelled Wike, former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose, and the party’s former National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, during its national convention in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The expulsion followed a motion moved by Chief Olabode George, former National Vice Chairman (South), which was seconded by the Bauchi State PDP Chairman, Samaila Buga, and adopted by delegates amid a charged atmosphere.

The renewed war of words between Makinde and Wike underscores the deepening crisis within the PDP as the party grapples with internal divisions and leadership struggles ahead of future political contests.

— Spatula Newspaper