2027: PDP Chairmen Back Makinde, Pledge to Crush ‘Dark Forces’ Undermining Party

The Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, has received the full support of the chairmen of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the party’s national convention in Ibadan.

The party chieftains expressed absolute confidence in Makinde’s leadership and direction.

The chairman said efforts to destabilise the party ahead of the 2027 general elections would fail, describing the alleged plots as futile and against the collective interest of the PDP.

Naija News reports that the meeting, held under the Forum of PDP State Chairmen and led by Edo State chairman, Tony Aziegbemi, brought together state party leaders and Governor Makinde at the Oyo State Lodge in Abuja.

Though publicly described as a courtesy visit, insiders, according to Vanguard, disclosed that the meeting was a strategic political move designed to reinforce Makinde’s influence and consolidate alliances ahead of the November convention.

‘This Fight Is Between Darkness and Light’ – Aziegbemi

Aziegbemi came out strongly after the meeting, insisting that certain forces were working to cripple the PDP before 2027.

“This fight you see within the PDP isn’t just an internal disagreement; it’s a battle between darkness and light. What those people want is to cripple the PDP and hand the APC a free ride in 2027. But that plan will not succeed,” he said.

Naija News reports that the internal tensions within the PDP have intensified as two rival blocs, one led by Makinde and the other loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, struggle for influence ahead of the 2027 elections.

The blocs remain divided over critical decisions shaping the upcoming national convention scheduled for November 15–16 in Ibadan.

Sources said the Wike-led camp is pushing for a postponement of the convention until several disputes are resolved, including:

• Recognition of the Dan Orbih-led South-South Zonal Working Committee
• The status of expelled National Vice Chairman (South-East), Ali Odefa
• The reconduct of state congresses in Anambra, Ebonyi and other states

At the centre of the crisis is the question of leadership legitimacy, particularly the continued tenure of Ambassador Umar Damagum as National Chairman after his suspension by the Wike bloc.

The dispute has exposed deeper fractures within the party, with both sides pushing narratives aimed at shaping the PDP’s identity as a viable opposition force ahead of 2027.

Chairmen Show Loyalty, Warn Against Division

While the chairmen described the Abuja meeting as an appreciation visit to thank Makinde for his stabilising efforts, the gathering was widely viewed as a show of force by the governor’s camp, now seen as the party’s strongest power centre.

Sources, according to Vanguard, said the chairmen expressed concern that certain actors were deliberately fanning division to weaken the party before 2027, a scenario they warned would favour the ruling All Progressives Congress.

By framing the crisis as part of a broader battle over the soul of the PDP, the chairmen presented themselves as defenders of a party struggling to assert relevance.

Despite the firm tone, Aziegbemi adopted a conciliatory stance toward suspended chairmen of Imo and Abia States aligned with the Wike bloc.

“The door to reconciliation can never be closed. Those guys are our friends, our brothers. We will continue to see them as such,” he said, backing the reconciliation efforts led by the factional Board of Trustees Chairman, Adolphus Wabara.

Naija News reports that the Ibadan convention is expected to be the PDP’s biggest internal test since the 2023 general elections. For Makinde, hosting the event provides both an opportunity to further establish himself as a stabilising force and a minefield of factional tension.

Party insiders said the chairmen’s open show of support was aimed at assuring Makinde of nationwide backing ahead of the tough negotiations expected in Ibadan.

However, the Wike faction is reportedly displeased, accusing Makinde’s bloc of overreaching and attempting to dominate the party structure.

‘We Stand on the Right Side of History’ – Chairmen

Amid the crisis, Aziegbemi maintained that the chairmen were united behind the governors and the National Working Committee to protect the PDP’s future.

“We are with the governors and the National Working Committee to stand on the right side of history. The evil plans of those who want this country to remain where it is will never succeed,” he said.

Whether the renewed backing for Makinde will translate into real party stability remains uncertain.

But the state chairmen have drawn a clear line, positioning themselves not just as administrators but as guardians of a party fighting to remain a formidable force ahead of the 2027 elections.