In the early days of their tenure as governors under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and Nyesom Wike, then Governor of Rivers State, enjoyed a visibly cordial and strategic relationship. Both men were instrumental members of the G-5, a bloc of five PDP governors who, in the build-up to the 2023 general elections, stood firmly against the emergence of a northern presidential candidate within the party. Their collaboration was defined by regular joint appearances, strategic consultations, and public affirmations of mutual respect.

At one point, Makinde famously described Wike as a dependable ally, while Wike hosted his Oyo counterpart on several occasions, with jokes even made by dignitaries such as Chief Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, suggesting the alliance was as close as family ties between Rivers and Oyo.

That political closeness has recently come under scrutiny as speculation mounted over an alleged rift between the two ahead of the party’s upcoming national convention scheduled for 15 and 16 November 2025 in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital. The venue and dates were formally approved by the National Executive Committee (NEC) during its 101st meeting in Abuja, with key stakeholders including the National Working Committee (NWC) and representatives of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) participating in the planning process.

However, Earl Osaro Onaiwu, a founding Director-General of the PDP Governors’ Forum and a respected chieftain of the party, has dismissed the notion of any discord between Makinde and Wike. Speaking in Abuja, he described such claims as “completely false” and the handiwork of “mischief makers who are not happy with the growing unity in the PDP.” According to him, “There is no rift between Governor Makinde and former Governor Wike. Both men remain committed party leaders and loyal members of the PDP family.”

Onaiwu said the narratives of division were being pushed by those unsettled by the renewed strength within the PDP, particularly after recent strategic meetings aimed at repositioning the party for the 2027 general elections. “Those trying to sow discord are simply unhappy with the renewed strength and unity demonstrated at the recent PDP strategic meeting,” he stated. He added that the PDP continues to be the only political party in Nigeria with a truly national structure and democratic culture, and that all preparations for the convention are progressing as planned.

He reiterated that the convention will not only affirm the party’s internal cohesion but also signal its readiness to present a unified front ahead of 2027. “The PDP is not distracted by sponsored propaganda. Our mission is clear, our ranks are united, and our vision is focused on delivering competent leadership to Nigerians once again,” he said.

Despite Onaiwu’s assurances, recent developments suggest underlying tensions may have begun to affect the once-solid relationship between the two leaders. Wike, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has openly criticised Makinde in recent weeks, accusing him of violating gentleman’s agreements reached during reconciliation talks. He referred to Makinde as “the architect” of the PDP’s internal problems, citing moves taken in Ibadan to reject decisions concerning the party’s National Secretary and other critical matters. Wike has since announced his withdrawal from all previous reconciliation arrangements, stating he will “fight until justice is attained.”

Nevertheless, party insiders suggest that while differences may exist between various camps, there remains a broad consensus on the importance of unity going into the November convention. The PDP leadership has continued to engage stakeholders at all levels in order to maintain stability, especially in light of its goal to return to power in 2027.

In the face of mounting speculation and partisan narratives, Onaiwu’s message remains consistent: the party is not fractured, and the public should “ignore reports about any crisis.” According to him, those fuelling such claims are only threatened by the PDP’s enduring structure and growing appeal across the country.