I was with Wike, but I’ve repented – Makinde blasts PDP faction

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has declared that he has repented from his past alignment with Nyesom Wike’s faction, while warning that attempts to use the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State to serve another party’s interests will not be tolerated.

Speaking during the commissioning of the newly constructed PDP Secretariat in Oke-Ado, Ibadan, Makinde criticised Wike’s intervention in the affairs of Oyo PDP, saying the former Rivers State governor lacks the moral authority to interfere in the state’s party politics.

“Let me confess, I came into government in 2019, and towards 2023, I was aligned with them, but now I have repented. I am now born again. But for them to hold PDP just for another party to be in power? It is a no,” Makinde said.

The governor also questioned Wike’s achievements in his home state, asking, “What exactly has he done for the PDP in Rivers State that now gives him the moral standing to dabble into the affairs of Oyo State?” He added that the growth and cohesion of Oyo PDP is the result of inclusive leadership, and urged party members to avoid distractions that could undermine unity.

Makinde expressed confidence in the judiciary to resolve ongoing factional disputes within the party. His remarks follow Wike’s recent declaration at the PDP National Executive Committee meeting in Abuja, where the FCT minister affirmed his interest in Oyo State PDP politics after a Federal High Court ruling recognised his faction as the legitimate leadership.