Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, delivered a bold and measured message at the national headquarters of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday, amidst deepening tensions and internal wrangling within the party.
Addressing journalists during the heat of the protests and confrontations between rival factions at Wadata Plaza, Governor Makinde stated clearly that the current faceoff is not about personal grievances or broken friendships but about the future of Nigeria’s democracy.
“The fight is not just about the PDP. It is about the survival of democracy in Nigeria,” Makinde said. “This is not a time to talk about individuals or events. We’re focused on the issues, on protecting multi party democracy, which the founding fathers of this country envisioned.”
When asked about his strained relationship with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, once his close ally in the G5 group, Makinde took the high road. “Small minds talk about people, average minds talk about events, but we prefer to talk about issues,” he declared.He went further to explain that the G5 movement was born out of a principled stand against one party dominance, and that vision remains unchanged. “We don’t believe in a one party Nigeria.
Nigerians deserve options,” he said, urging stakeholders to redirect attention from personalities to democratic values.
Makinde, who has remained one of the key stabilizing voices within the party, also hinted that the ongoing struggle might take time, but he was confident it would lead to a better political environment. “It may get worse before it gets better, but we are on solid ground,” he affirmed.
The Oyo governor’s comments came just hours after violence erupted at the PDP headquarters between rival supporters, with reports of injuries and police intervention. His calm and focused intervention is seen by observers as a reminder that, amid the noise, there are still voices calling for reason, unity, and true leadership.
