The political tension within the Peoples Democratic Party took a sharper turn as a senior aide to Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, launched a strong attack on former Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, over comments he made during a controversial party convention in Abuja.
Dare Adeleke, who serves as Special Adviser on Federal Constituency Matters to Governor Makinde, did not hold back as he reacted to Fayose’s remarks. Speaking in a statement made available to the press, Adeleke described the Abuja gathering backed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, as illegitimate and lacking any legal foundation.
The convention in question saw a faction of the PDP move ahead with the election of new members into the party’s National Working Committee, with Abdulrahman Mohammed announced as chairman. The situation grew more complicated after the Independent National Electoral Commission updated its website to reflect the newly elected officials, a move that appeared to give the exercise a level of recognition.
However, Adeleke insisted that such recognition does not validate what he called a flawed process. According to him, the convention failed to meet constitutional standards and remains under legal scrutiny, making any outcome from it highly questionable.
The controversy deepened after Ayo Fayose used the platform to make bold declarations about the future of Governor Makinde within the party. In his speech, Fayose predicted that Makinde would face expulsion from the PDP, a statement that immediately sparked outrage among loyalists of the Oyo governor.
Fayose spoke with confidence, declaring openly that Makinde’s days in the party were numbered. He also used the opportunity to elevate Nyesom Wike, describing him as the true national leader of the PDP. His remarks painted a picture of a shifting power structure within the party, one that clearly sidelines other influential figures.
He said the convention represented a new direction for the PDP and urged members to align with what he described as sincere leadership. To him, the gathering symbolised unity among those ready to reposition the party ahead of future elections.
But Adeleke rejected that narrative completely. He described Fayose’s statements as excessive, unguarded, and disconnected from reality. In his view, Fayose spoke out of impulse rather than principle, using strong words to mask what he sees as a lack of political substance.
Adeleke argued that Fayose’s claim about Makinde’s expulsion carries no legal weight and should not be taken seriously by party members or the public. He said such declarations only expose the level of disorder currently affecting parts of the political space.
He went further to accuse Fayose of attempting to force relevance by launching an unprovoked attack on Makinde. According to him, the former Ekiti governor seeks attention and political validation through dramatic statements rather than constructive engagement.
Adeleke contrasted Fayose’s approach with Makinde’s style of leadership, which he described as disciplined, focused, and rooted in credibility. He maintained that Makinde’s track record in governance and party affairs speaks louder than any public outburst.
In his words, Makinde represents stability and purpose, while Fayose thrives on what he called political theatrics. He suggested that the difference between both men reflects a broader divide within the PDP, where some leaders pursue long-term vision while others chase immediate relevance.
The aide also criticised what he described as an alliance between Fayose and Wike, warning that such partnerships could damage the party’s integrity. He said their actions project an image of power without accountability, creating the false impression that they operate above the law.
According to Adeleke, history has shown that such attitudes rarely end well. He warned that political arrogance often leads to downfall, no matter how powerful individuals may appear at a given moment.
He stressed that no individual or group holds absolute control over the PDP, insisting that the party must remain guided by its constitution and democratic principles. Any attempt to override those principles, he said, would face resistance from committed members.
The dispute also carries a legal dimension, as Adeleke pointed out ongoing court cases challenging the legitimacy of the Abuja convention. He expressed surprise that some party leaders continue to act as though those legal issues do not exist.
He said the situation raises serious constitutional concerns, especially as the matter remains before the courts. According to him, responsible leadership requires patience and respect for due process, not actions that could further complicate the crisis.
The Makinde camp has already taken steps to seek judicial clarity on the matter. Through its factional National Working Committee, the group confirmed that it has approached the courts, including the Supreme Court, to resolve all disputes surrounding the party’s leadership and the controversial convention.
A statement from the faction’s National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, revealed that the group has filed necessary legal processes and awaits a final ruling that will determine the rightful leadership structure of the PDP.
The statement also accused the Wike-aligned faction of ignoring existing legal proceedings, particularly at the Court of Appeal in Ibadan, where parties had earlier agreed on a framework for handling the dispute.
Beyond the legal arguments, Adeleke raised concerns about the concept of reconciliation being promoted by those behind the convention. He questioned the logic of a process that, in his view, requires members to abandon core principles in the name of unity.
He argued that true reconciliation should strengthen a party’s identity, not dilute it. According to him, asking members to accept positions that contradict the party’s values amounts to surrender rather than compromise.
“What kind of reconciliation demands that a party adopts the agenda of its opponents?” he asked, suggesting that such moves could weaken the PDP’s position in national politics.
Adeleke called on party members who still believe in the PDP’s founding ideals to stand firm. He urged them to support leadership built on discipline, vision, and integrity, rather than follow what he described as noise and opportunism.
He praised Governor Makinde for maintaining composure despite repeated attacks, noting that restraint in politics often reflects strength rather than weakness. According to him, Makinde’s calm approach sends a message of maturity and confidence.
He concluded with a reminder that political drama may capture attention in the short term, but institutions and principles ultimately define lasting impact. In his view, those who mistake temporary influence for enduring relevance often face harsh lessons from history.
Meanwhile, Fayose continues to defend the Abuja convention and its outcomes. He insists that the gathering marks a fresh beginning for the PDP, one that could reposition the party ahead of the 2027 elections.
He pointed to the turnout of members at the event as evidence that many within the party support the new direction. According to him, the growing number of participants shows that the PDP remains attractive to politicians who want to stay active and relevant.
Fayose also reiterated his support for Wike, maintaining that the FCT minister provides the leadership needed to stabilise the party. He suggested that those who resist this shift risk isolation within the PDP’s evolving structure.
As the crisis unfolds, the PDP finds itself at a crossroads, with competing factions pushing different visions for its future. The coming months, especially the outcome of ongoing court cases, will likely shape the party’s direction and determine which group holds the upper hand.
For now, the war of words continues, exposing deep divisions and raising questions about unity within one of Nigeria’s major political parties.
