February 3, 2026 l By Dalena Reporters
ABUJA, Nigeria — Political tensions flared this week as leaders in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from Rivers State launched a sharp critique of party elder Nyesom Wike, even as Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde publicly defended the PDP’s stance on governance and party discipline in the country’s federal capital territory.
The exchange underscores mounting internal divisions within Nigeria’s main opposition party as it seeks to redefine its identity and strategy ahead of the 2027 general elections, amid criticism from rival parties and observers.
At the centre of the controversy is Chief Nyesom Wike, a former Governor of Rivers State and prominent PDP figure whose political influence has extended to national party leadership roles. A faction of Rivers PDP loyalists described Wike as a “vagabond,” alleging that his leadership style and recent political maneuvers have been detrimental to party cohesion and strategic positioning. The criticism reflects ongoing factional disagreements within the Rivers PDP, which has struggled with leadership disputes since the 2023 general elections.
Party sources say the Rivers PDP group’s comments were triggered by Wike’s perceived alignment with certain party decisions regarding appointments and nominations related to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) administration — decisions some critics argue were made without adequate consultation with state stakeholders. Rivers PDP executives argued that Wike’s approach lacked transparency and failed to safeguard regional interests, prompting a heated debate within party ranks in the South-South geopolitical zone.
In response to the Rivers faction’s remarks, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, a senior PDP figure and member of the party’s national leadership council, weighed in on developments during a press address in Ibadan. Makinde described the internal sparring over FCT politics as regrettable but stressed that the PDP remains united in its core objectives of promoting good governance and strengthening democratic institutions across states and at the federal level.
Makinde also reiterated that the PDP’s strategic priorities include a commitment to transparent decision-making and inclusivity in leadership appointments, particularly with regard to the FCT — a federal territory that, unlike Nigeria’s states, is directly administered by the president but remains politically sensitive due to its symbolic national status and diverse population. The governor emphasized that the party must project unity and discipline if it is to be an effective opposition force against the ruling party in future elections.
Observers note that the spat reflects broader tensions within the PDP between so-called “old guard” power brokers and younger, reform-oriented leaders who seek to reposition the party ahead of competitive electoral battles. The debate over the FCT, which has become a proxy arena for influence within the party, highlights deeper disagreements over strategy, leadership style, and the balance between federal and regional political interests.
Political analysts argue that how the PDP manages these internal differences could significantly influence its electoral fortunes in the lead-up to 2027. With the ruling party’s dominance in key states and a competitive field of presidential aspirants emerging, maintaining internal cohesion may prove critical for the PDP’s strategy and public messaging.
At the time of reporting, neither Wike nor his spokesperson had issued a formal response to the criticisms from Rivers PDP leaders, leaving the debate poised to escalate as party stakeholders prepare for upcoming national conventions and strategic planning sessions.