PDP Crisis: Let Them Fight Dirty, I Won’t Join — Makinde

…Says Nigerians are watching, urges members to prioritize substance over personal grudges

Oyo State Governor Engr. Seyi Makinde of appeared to take a veiled swipe at the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Thursday, declaring that he does not engage in political mudslinging or descend into the “gutters” with opponents.

Governor Makinde made the remark while addressing journalists shortly after the South-West Zoning Consultative Summit of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), held in Lagos. The summit brought together key leaders and stakeholders from the party’s southern caucus as it prepares for a crucial National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on Monday.

“Personally, when people go low or go into the gutters, I don’t go with them. Some people are not going into the gutters. We will reach out to them. That is democracy,” Makinde said in response to questions about tensions within the party.

While the Oyo governor did not mention Wike by name, the comment was widely interpreted as a subtle rebuke of the FCT Minister, who has been a central figure in internal PDP disputes.

Makinde stressed that party disagreements should remain issue-based and not personal, adding that unity and strategic engagement are critical to regaining the trust of Nigerians.

“I can disagree with people, but there shouldn’t be anything personal here. It should be about what we are giving to Nigerians—because they are watching.”

The summit was attended by notable PDP figures, including Senator Adolphus Wabara, Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees (BoT); Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa and Chair of the PDP National Zoning Committee; Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun; and Deputy Governor Ifeanyi Ossai representing Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu.

Other attendees included former Osun State Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Chief Bode George, Senator Monsurat Sunmonu, and 12 out of 17 PDP National Assembly members from the South.

Governor Makinde noted that the wide representation at the meeting reflected the seriousness with which the party is approaching its rebuilding efforts.

“You have the Chairman of the BoT here. At least 12 of the 17 members of the Zoning Committee from the South are also present. Each zone has representation from senators, House of Representatives members, and BoT members. That shows wide representation.”

He clarified that political consultations do not always achieve full attendance but assured that ongoing engagement would continue with key stakeholders not present at the meeting.

When asked about discussions regarding the zoning of the PDP presidential ticket, Makinde dismissed the speculation, stating that the party was currently focused on rebuilding its structures and restoring internal cohesion.

“We haven’t even gotten there. We need to have a party first before you start talking about presidential candidates. If we don’t have a party, anything you are trying to do will fall flat.”

He emphasized that the PDP remained a strong political force despite its challenges, citing recent election results as evidence of its continued relevance.

“In all our states, they showed last Saturday that PDP is not dead. In most of the 12 states where elections were held, PDP came second. It’s an indication that with continued effort, we can regain the confidence of Nigerians.”

The Lagos summit serves as a prelude to the upcoming NEC meeting, where critical decisions about the party’s future direction, leadership structure, and strategy are expected to be made.