On Sunday, Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), issued a scathing statement directed at Seyi Makinde, the Governor of Oyo State, blaming him for the escalating crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Once allies within the influential G-5 (a group of five governors who failed to support the PDP candidate in the 2023 presidential election), their relationship has deteriorated into a public feud, worsening the party’s internal strife.
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In his Sunday statement, Wike described Makinde as the “architect” of the party’s problems, as the former ruling party continues to witness a wave of defections to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
This timeline traces the key events that led to the unraveling of their political partnership, drawing from recent developments and internal party struggles:
Early 2022: Formation of the G-5 and Shared Interests
The Wike-Makinde alliance gained prominence with the formation of the G-5—a group of five PDP governors: Nyesom Wike (Rivers), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Samuel Ortom (Benue), Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), and Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia).
The G-5 emerged as a powerful bloc within the PDP, primarily advocating for the resignation of the party’s National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu, to allow a southerner to assume the position—citing the need for regional balance after Atiku Abubakar, a northerner, secured the PDP’s 2022 presidential candidacy.
Wike and Makinde, both vocal and influential, were regarded as the driving forces behind the group’s push for internal reforms, positioning themselves as champions of equity within the party.
October 2022 – February 2023: G-5’s Defiance and the 2023 Election Fallout
As the 2023 general elections approached, the G-5, led by Wike and supported by Makinde, openly opposed Atiku’s presidential campaign, refusing to support him unless Ayu resigned.
This stance caused a significant rift within the PDP, weakening its cohesion against the APC. Wike’s influence in Rivers State reportedly contributed to the APC’s presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu, winning the state—a move perceived as anti-party activity by some PDP members.
Makinde, while critical of the party’s leadership, focused on securing his re-election in Oyo State, which he won convincingly. The G-5’s actions during the election period strained their relationship with the broader PDP, and subtle cracks began to appear in the Wike-Makinde alignment, as Makinde prioritised governance over prolonged party conflict.
August 2023: Wike’s Appointment as FCT Minister
A pivotal turning point came when President Tinubu appointed Wike as Minister of the FCT—an unusual instance of a PDP member serving in an APC-led government.
This move sparked controversy within the PDP, with many accusing Wike of aligning with the ruling party for personal gain.
Makinde, while maintaining his position as a PDP governor, distanced himself from Wike’s decision, focusing instead on his role within the PDP Governors’ Forum.
Wike’s acceptance of the ministerial role was seen by some as a betrayal of the G-5’s original ideals, creating a wedge between him and Makinde, who remained committed to opposition politics.
April 2024: Makinde’s Shift Away from the G-5
By April 2024, reports emerged that Makinde had begun to distance himself from the G-5, focusing on unifying the PDP ahead of the 2027 elections.
At a PDP National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, Makinde’s actions suggested a willingness to work with the party’s national leadership, including Acting National Chairman Iliya Damagum, to resolve internal crises.
This shift was likely perceived by Wike’s camp as a betrayal, as Makinde appeared to prioritise party unity over the G-5’s demands.
October 2024 – December 2024: Rivers State Crisis and Leadership Disputes
The conflict between Wike and his successor, Rivers State Governor Sim Fubara, escalated into a major PDP crisis, with Wike accused of orchestrating political turmoil in Rivers State to maintain influence.
Makinde, representing the PDP Governors’ Forum, advocated for resolutions to stabilise the party, including addressing disputes over the PDP’s South-South zonal leadership and the National Secretary position.
Wike, however, viewed these efforts as attempts to undermine his authority, particularly in Rivers State.
The PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC) became further divided, with disagreements over Senator Samuel Anyanwu’s status as National Secretary.
Wike supported Anyanwu, citing a Supreme Court ruling, while Makinde was accused of backing Udeh Okoye for the role, further straining their relationship.
April 2025: PDP Governors Sue Tinubu over Suspension of Rivers Government—a Direct Rebuke of Wike
In April, eleven PDP governors—from Adamawa, Enugu, Osun, Oyo, Bauchi, Akwa Ibom, Plateau, Delta, Taraba, Zamfara, and Bayelsa States—filed a suit before the Supreme Court challenging the declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State.
The governors, including Makinde, sought the nullification of the six-month suspension of Governor Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all House of Assembly members.
The legal action was seen as a direct rebuke of Wike, who was engaged in a protracted battle with his successor and was widely regarded as a major source of the political crisis in Rivers.
Early May 2025: PDP Governors Strike Deal with Wike?
Earlier this month, PDP governors—represented by Makinde in Lagos—reportedly agreed to make concessions to Wike to foster unity within the party ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
According to The PUNCH, discussions during the meeting focused on resolving the political crisis in Rivers State involving Wike and the suspended Governor Fubara, as well as addressing concerns related to the South-South zonal leadership, the National Secretary position, and other matters to balance interests on both sides.
“They both agreed that concerned members should withdraw the pending litigation and pursue political solutions,” a source familiar with the meeting reportedly said.
“Additionally, they agreed that the Governors’ Forum’s decision on issues such as the zonal congress—especially that of the South-South—the Rivers State crisis, the National Secretary position, and other matters should be revisited to accommodate all interests.”
However, as of the time of filing this report, the PDP governors have yet to withdraw their suit at the Supreme Court.
Late May 2025: Wike’s Withdrawal from Reconciliation Efforts
The breaking point came on Sunday, 25 May 2025, when Wike publicly announced his withdrawal from all PDP reconciliation agreements, accusing Makinde of being the “architect” of the party’s woes.
In the statement titled “PDP Crisis: My Position”, Wike claimed that Makinde had repeatedly violated agreements, including those reached at a meeting hosted by former Senate President Bukola Saraki.
Wike specifically criticised Makinde for allegedly colluding with Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah to push for Okoye’s emergence as National Secretary and for undermining a gentleman’s agreement on party leadership roles.
FURTHER READING
The FCT Minister’s decision to “fight on until justice is attained” indicates a complete breakdown of their alliance.
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