Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju, Chief Press Secretary to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, has denied rumours of a rift between his Governor Seyi Makinde and Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
The denial follows escalating tensions within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), which remains divided over leadership issues. Despite ongoing factionalism, Makinde and Wike have maintained their alliance. The two, alongside other governors, opposed the PDP’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, in the lead-up to the 2023 elections, forming the G-5 bloc.
Currently, the party is embroiled in a dispute over the future of Umar Damagum, the acting National Chairman. While Wike advocates for Damagum’s continued tenure, Makinde and three other governors have sided with a rival faction led by Bala Mohammed, Governor of Bauchi State.
However, a recent PDP governors’ meeting in Asaba, Delta State, revealed a shift in dynamics. Makinde joined the Mohammed-led group in rejecting Samuel Anyanwu, a candidate favoured by Wike’s camp, for the role of National Secretary. The governors instead endorsed Sunday Ude-Okoye, a move seen as diminishing Wike’s influence.
Despite speculation of a growing rift, Olanrewaju has firmly rejected any claims of discord between Makinde and Wike, insisting that their working relationship remains intact.
