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Makinde has destroyed PDP in South-West – Fayose

Introduction

In a scathing critique that has sent ripples through Nigeria’s political landscape, former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose has launched a blistering attack on Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde. Fayose, a prominent figure in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), accused Makinde of gross abuse of power, dismantling party structures across the South-West, and orchestrating political exclusion. This controversy highlights deep-seated factionalism within the PDP, centering on issues of leadership style, party democracy, and the delicate balance of power in South-West politics. As the rift widens, the implications for the PDP’s cohesion and its future electoral prospects in the region are becoming increasingly significant.

Key Points

The core of the dispute between the two PDP heavyweights revolves around several critical allegations. Here are the primary takeaways from Fayose’s recent statements:

Abuse of Power and Exclusion

Fayose alleges that Governor Makinde has consolidated power in a way that marginalizes key stakeholders. He claims that Makinde has “taken over all the choice lands in the state,” a metaphor for political control and patronage, and has systematically alienated loyal party members who facilitated his rise to power.

Destruction of Party Structures

A central accusation is that Makinde has effectively dismantled the PDP’s organizational framework in the South-West. Fayose asserts that “almost everybody who worked for his ascension has been driven away,” leaving the party weakened and vulnerable in the region.

Osun State Primaries Controversy

Fayose questioned the integrity of the PDP’s candidate selection process in Osun State. He claimed that the eventual party candidate “did not even obtain a PDP form,” implying irregularities and a lack of transparency in the internal democratic processes.

Personal Safety and Political Rivalry

Adding a personal dimension to the conflict, Fayose claimed he was targeted during a political event in Osun State, accusing Makinde of organizing an attack against him. He dismissed Makinde’s seniority, referring to him as a “small boy” in political terms despite their respective gubernular statuses.

Allegiance to Wike and Party Loyalty

Fayose openly declared his allegiance to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, stating, “I’m a Wike person. Anywhere Wike is, that is where I am.” However, despite his grievances with the PDP leadership, Fayose maintained his loyalty to the party, firmly stating he would never defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Background

To understand the gravity of Fayose’s accusations, it is essential to examine the historical and political context of the PDP in the South-West.

The PDP’s Struggle in the South-West

The South-West region of Nigeria has historically been a stronghold of the Action Democratic (AD) lineage, later morphing into the Alliance for Democracy (AD) and eventually the APC. The PDP has struggled to maintain a firm foothold in the region, often relying on powerful godfathers and charismatic governors to win elections. Fayose himself is one of the few PDP governors to have successfully governed a South-West state (Ekiti) twice, making his perspective on regional strategy highly valued.

The Rise of Seyi Makinde

Seyi Makinde won the Oyo State governorship election in 2019 under the PDP banner, ending the eight-year reign of the late Abiola Ajimobi of the APC. Makinde was seen as a technocrat and a fresh face who could unify the party. However, his rise was supported by a coalition of forces, including Fayose. Over time, Makinde has emerged as the de facto leader of the PDP in the South-West, a position that appears to have caused friction with older, more established political figures like Fayose.

The Wike Factor

The political rift in the PDP is not limited to the South-West. At the national level, the party has been dealing with the fallout from the 2023 presidential election. Nyesom Wike, the immediate past governor of Rivers State, led a group of five governors (known as the G5) who worked against the PDP’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, due to disagreements over the party’s leadership structure. Fayose’s open alignment with Wike places him firmly in the Wike camp, which is currently at odds with the national leadership of the PDP, often aligned with the Atiku camp. Makinde, while part of the G5, has maintained a more nuanced relationship with the national body, which may explain the divergence with Fayose.

Analysis

Fayose’s allegations against Governor Makinde are not merely personal grievances; they reflect a structural crisis within the PDP that could have long-term consequences for the party’s viability in Nigeria’s South-West geopolitical zone.

The Perils of “Political Monopoly”

Fayose’s claim that Makinde has “taken over all the choice lands” suggests a fear of political monopolization. In Nigerian politics, the “godfather” syndrome is a recurring theme where a sitting governor attempts to control all levers of power, including local government allocations, legislative appointments, and party nominations. Fayose argues that this exclusionary approach is driving away the grassroots mobilizers essential for winning general elections. If the PDP in Oyo State is perceived as a one-man entity, it risks alienating the broader electorate who may view the party as lacking internal democracy.

Impact on South-West PDP Structure

The accusation that Makinde has “destroyed all PDP structures in the South-West” points to a potential vacuum in opposition politics. If the PDP is fragmented in the region, it inadvertently strengthens the APC. The South-West is a critical battleground for Nigerian politics. A unified PDP could challenge the APC’s dominance, but factionalism renders the party ineffective. Fayose’s vocal opposition suggests that the current leadership style is failing to carry all stakeholders along, creating cracks that could widen before the next election cycle.

Legitimacy of Party Primaries

The specific allegation regarding the Osun State candidate—that they did not obtain a form yet became the candidate—strikes at the heart of democratic legitimacy. If true, this indicates a subversion of the PDP’s constitution and electoral guidelines. Such actions can lead to legal challenges and voter apathy. Even if the allegation is a distortion, the public airing of such grievances damages the party’s brand and confuses the electorate regarding who the legitimate PDP flag bearers are.

Generational and Ideological Clash

Fayose’s dismissal of Makinde as a “small boy” highlights a generational clash. Fayose represents the “old guard” of Nigerian politics—charismatic, populist, and prone to confrontation. Makinde represents a newer breed of governors who prioritize technocratic governance and quieter diplomacy. This clash of styles often leads to friction, as the old guard feels sidelined while the new guard seeks to modernize and streamline party operations, often at the expense of established patronage networks.

Practical Advice

For political stakeholders, party members, and observers following this saga, the following practical insights and advice are relevant:

For PDP Leadership

Prioritize Reconciliation: The national leadership must intervene to mediate between the Fayose and Makinde factions. Ignoring high-profile dissent risks turning internal conflict into public scandal.

Enforce Internal Democracy: To counter allegations of imposition (as seen in the Osun case), the party must ensure transparent processes in candidate selection. This builds trust among the electorate and party faithful.

For Political Observers and Analysts

Monitor Local Government Elections: The true test of Makinde’s control and the PDP’s strength in Oyo State will be the upcoming local government elections. If the party loses wards where it previously held sway, Fayose’s claims of “destroyed structures” will hold weight.

Watch the Wike Alignment: Track Fayose’s movements alongside Nyesom Wike. This will indicate whether the rift is part of a larger, national realignment within the PDP leading up to future general elections.

For Political Aspirants

Diversify Political Relationships: Relying solely on a sitting governor for political survival is risky. As Fayose noted, he “fought his governorship without a godfather.” Aspirants should build their own independent political structures to withstand shifts in party leadership.

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Conclusion

The public fallout between Ayodele Fayose and Seyi Makinde is more than a personality clash; it is a symptom of the deep ideological and structural challenges facing the Peoples Democratic Party in the South-West. Fayose’s allegations of power abuse, destruction of party structures, and manipulation of internal processes paint a picture of a party at war with itself. For the PDP to remain a viable opposition and a contender for power in the region, it must address these grievances. The party leadership needs to foster an inclusive environment that accommodates diverse interests while maintaining discipline. Until these internal rifts are healed, the PDP’s ability to challenge the status quo in the South-West remains compromised.