Recent shifts within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have brought Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde into the spotlight as some party bigwigs loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, have begun pushing for Makinde’s candidacy in the 2027 presidential election.
These moves signify a cooling of relations with former Vice President and PDP’s 2023 presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, whom some party leaders still blame for missing a prime opportunity to reclaim power in the last election.
According to party insiders who spoke with Punch on condition of anonymity, disappointment lingers over Atiku’s handling of the 2023 campaign.
They believe his failure to address the concerns of the G5 Governors—five influential PDP governors who demanded the resignation of the then-party National Chairman Iyorchia Ayu, cost the party significantly. 
Despite calls for unity, many leaders say they have not fully reconciled with Atiku, suggesting his influence may be waning.
Meanwhile, Governor Makinde has addressed rising calls for his candidacy with measured restraint. Speaking with journalists last month during a visit to Fashola Farm in Oyo town, he dismissed speculation about his political ambitions. “I am old enough to speak for myself on any issue without fear or intimidation. If I have anything to say about my political future, I will do so publicly,” Makinde stated, emphasizing his independence.
At a recent event inaugurating the Olusoji Adagunodo Zonal Secretariat of the PDP in Ibadan, Makinde further cautioned that the 2027 election would be a contest between the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Nigerian people.
Reiterating his stance, he warned against external attempts to influence his political path, saying, “Nobody can set an agenda for my career.”
As the PDP contends with lingering internal divisions and power struggles, party members continue to grapple with questions about the future of its leadership and unity.
With Makinde’s name emerging as a potential candidate and Wike’s faction showing increasing support, the party’s path to 2027 remains uncertain.
A source who spoke on the development in the party stated, “Every election circle, you will be given a presidential ticket; you will bungle it. Look at the mess that he caused for us at the 2023 election. What was difficult in going to kneel before the aggrieved five governors (G-5) and winning the election for us?
“Now, it is one of those same men you cried about that is giving you a problem. He could have waited till after the election and deceived Wike as (former President Olusegun) Obasanjo did during his time. Atiku was not serious and sincere about winning that presidency.”
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