Seyi Makinde Eyes Defection to NDC Amid PDP Crisis

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde is weighing a major political shift from the Peoples Democratic Party to the emerging Nigeria Democratic Congress as the PDP’s internal crisis worsens at both national and state levels.

NaijaChoice News gathered that former Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson has intensified lobbying to pull Makinde into the NDC, describing it as a clean alternative for opposition figures tired of the PDP’s endless leadership battles.

The overtures are said to be gaining ground among the few remaining PDP governors and key stakeholders frustrated by the party’s unresolved rifts and recent developments in the African Democratic Congress.

INEC last week derecognised the David Mark-led National Working Committee of the ADC over lingering court cases, a move that has further unsettled opposition ranks.

In Oyo State, the PDP succession battle has exposed deep divisions following the screening of governorship aspirants by the Bolaji Ayorinde (SAN)-led committee.

Those who scaled the process include House of Representatives member Adedeji Olajide (Odidiomo), Dr Nureni Aderemi Adeniran, Bimbo Adekanmbi, Debo Akande and State House of Assembly Speaker Adebo Ogundoyin.

Party insiders insist, however, that beyond the formal exercise, the governor is quietly assessing candidates who share his governance style and can guarantee continuity of his infrastructure and economic reforms.

A senior PDP figure in Ibadan told NaijaChoice News that Makinde is not merely picking a successor but protecting the direction he has set for the state.

At the national level, the PDP remains polarised by the bitter rift between Makinde and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, with INEC’s recognition of the Wike-backed faction deepening the divide.

The crisis has left many stakeholders questioning the party’s readiness for the 2027 polls.

Makinde has summoned key Oyo PDP stakeholders to a crucial meeting tomorrow, April 8, in what sources describe as a make-or-break session.

The closed-door consultation, planned for over two weeks, is expected to determine his next move, including whether he stays in the PDP or aligns with the NDC coalition.

A source close to the governor said the meeting will allow him to listen directly to those who have backed him politically and weigh every option carefully.

On Dickson’s lobbying, another insider revealed that the NDC national leader has made a strong pitch, arguing that the PDP in its current state may not recover before the next election cycle.

The source added that any defection by Makinde would ripple across Oyo’s political structure, with aligned aspirants likely to follow and reshape the balance ahead of 2027.

NaijaChoice News notes that the NDC, recently registered by INEC and led by Dickson, has been receiving defectors from ADC, SDP and Labour Party structures in recent days, positioning itself as a fresh platform for opposition unity.

Whatever decision emerges from tomorrow’s meeting will send clear signals about the future of PDP strongholds in the Southwest and the shape of opposition politics heading into the general elections.