Fresh reports alleging a political rift between Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike have been firmly debunked by PDP founding chieftain Earl Osaro Onaiwu, who dismissed the claims as “mischievous propaganda” aimed at derailing the party’s unity ahead of its national convention.
Onaiwu, a former Director-General of the PDP Governors’ Forum, described the alleged friction as a desperate ploy by internal saboteurs and opposition elements unnerved by the renewed alignment within the party’s top ranks. According to him, both Wike and Makinde remain “committed and loyal leaders working in synergy to reposition the party for victory in 2027.”
The clarification follows the viral circulation of reports that Makinde and Wike were at odds over control of the PDP convention planning process. Onaiwu, however, noted that no such power tussle exists and affirmed that decisions concerning the convention were taken collectively by the National Working Committee (NWC), National Executive Committee (NEC), and other party stakeholders, with INEC present as observer.
Preparations for the PDP National Convention, slated for later in 2025, are already in motion, with top leaders from across the country endorsing the roadmap designed to strengthen party cohesion and rejuvenate public trust. Onaiwu emphasized that the unity displayed during recent strategy meetings was “proof of PDP’s maturity and focus.”
Cautioning against disinformation, the Edo-born political strategist called on Nigerians to “ignore sponsored fiction and mischief-makers who thrive on confusion.” He also lauded the media outlets that have maintained professionalism and refused to amplify what he called “baseless factional narratives.”
As Nigeria inches closer to the 2027 general elections, Onaiwu reiterated the PDP’s resolve to provide a credible alternative to the APC, with inclusive leadership, national consensus, and a renewed policy direction. “We are not distracted. We are building momentum. The mission is bigger than individual ambitions,” he said.
He concluded with a confident note: “The PDP will surprise many. The storm is behind us. What’s ahead is a rescue mission for Nigeria.”
