PDP Chieftain Urges Makinde, Wike to Resolve Feud Ahead of 2027

By Umar Zubainatu Kambari

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr David Kolawole Vaughan, has appealed to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, to urgently resolve their lingering political feud in the interest of the party.

Vaughan warned that the prolonged dispute could further weaken the PDP and cost it its remaining membership, thereby undermining its electoral prospects ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking on Saturday in Lagos, Vaughan said the crisis was eroding the unity, public image and internal cohesion of the former ruling party.

According to him, the feud has become a major distraction from critical governance issues and is negatively affecting national development and effective leadership.

“This fight is hurting the PDP’s fortunes, derailing governance and preventing focus on issues that truly matter to Nigerians,” he said.

Vaughan urged both leaders to reflect on the sacrifices made by party loyalists at the grassroots, stressing the need for restraint and reconciliation.

“They should remember God and the people who suffered and died for the PDP at the grassroots,” he said.

He warned that continued infighting could drive more members away from the party, adding that the PDP could ill afford further internal crises.

“Our party does not need all these. If this continues, we will lose the remaining membership,” Vaughan said.

The PDP chieftain also decried the exchange of verbal attacks between the camps loyal to Makinde and Wike, noting that such actions were damaging the party’s image and eroding public confidence.

He attributed the deepening crisis to divisions within the party’s leadership and Board of Trustees, allegedly driven by personal interests rather than collective goals.

“This will never allow peace to reign,” he said, calling on both leaders to meet, dialogue and make compromises for the survival of the party.

Vaughan reminded Makinde and Wike that the PDP provided the platform for their political rise and demanded loyalty, responsibility and sacrifice in return.

“Makinde and Wike must save this party. Nigerians are tired of endless clashes instead of real governance,” he said.

He added that many party members were exhausted by the prolonged conflict and were eager to see unity restored to enable the PDP compete effectively in future elections.

“We are no longer interested in this fight. We want our party to win,” Vaughan said.

He further warned that the absence of internal stability would negatively affect aspirants, noting that Nigeria’s electoral law does not permit independent candidacy.

The ongoing Makinde-Wike crisis has continued to factionalise the PDP and has contributed to the defection of serving and former governors, as well as lawmakers, to other political parties.