MAKINDE VS WIKE: MAKINDE HOLDS FIRMER POLITICAL CONTROL IN PDP - AKINWUMI

MAKINDE HOLDS FIRMER POLITICAL CONTROL IN PDP - AKINWUMI

A political analyst, Akinwunmi Akinfenwa, has said Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde remains firmly in control of the political structure of Oyo State, despite the national influence wielded by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

Speaking on Wednesday during an appearance on ARISE TV’s Morning Show, Akinfenwa described Wike as a powerful political figure with wide-reaching influence but stressed that his dominance does not extend to Oyo State, where Makinde maintains decisive authority within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

According to him, political realities in Ibadan and across Oyo State clearly favour the governor.

“While Nyesom Wike is undoubtedly strong and influential nationally, when it comes to Ibadan and Oyo State politics, Governor Seyi Makinde remains firmly in charge. He has full control of the PDP structure in the state,” Akinfenwa said.

He noted that although Wike commands significant political networks across the country, Oyo State operates within a different political dynamic shaped largely by Makinde’s grassroots strength and governance record.

Commenting on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s involvement in the Rivers State political crisis and his continued political alignment with Wike, Akinfenwa described the President’s position as pragmatic rather than emotional.

According to him, President Tinubu’s calculations are influenced by Wike’s political value, particularly his role in delivering Rivers State during the 2023 general elections.

“President Tinubu is being pragmatic. Wike delivered politically in 2023 and still retains strong grassroots control in Rivers State. The President is clearly thinking ahead to 2027,” he said.

Akinfenwa further characterised the FCT Minister as a results-driven politician who prioritises outcomes over convention, describing him as a high-risk political actor with proven capacity to mobilise support.

“He may be controversial, but what matters in politics is the ability to deliver. On that score, Wike has shown capacity,” he added.

Responding to suggestions that such political alliances amount to opportunism, Akinfenwa argued that Nigerian politics is often guided by strategic calculations rather than moral considerations.

“Politics is about seizing opportunities and assessing cost versus benefit. It is cold, calculated, and largely detached from emotions,” he said.

Providing context, he recalled that tensions within the PDP intensified ahead of the 2023 general elections when Wike, Makinde, and three other governors formed the G5 group in opposition to the party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.

The group demanded that the PDP chairmanship be zoned to the South to ensure regional balance. Although they remained in the party, their actions weakened Atiku’s campaign in several states.

While Wike played a key role in delivering Rivers State to the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Bola Tinubu, Makinde secured his re-election in Oyo State despite internal party disagreements.

Though both politicians were close allies during the G5 period, analysts note that their political paths have since diverged, particularly in their engagement with the current federal administration.