Uncertainty continues to unsettle the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State as Governor Seyi Makinde remains tight-lipped about his next political move, heightening anxiety among party loyalists and aspirants.
With critical electoral deadlines fast approaching, many within the party say the lack of clarity is becoming increasingly difficult to manage. Aspirants preparing for the 2027 elections are particularly concerned, as they remain unsure of the platform on which they will contest.
The situation has been further complicated by recent political shifts across the country. The reported defection of Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed from the PDP to the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) has intensified speculation that Makinde could follow a similar path.
Insiders claim the Oyo governor may already have made up his mind to leave the PDP and has quietly advised some aspirants against purchasing nomination forms under the party. Possible alternative platforms being discussed include the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and the APM, with some suggesting a decision could be imminent.
However, other party stakeholders insist Makinde remains committed to the PDP, noting that he is currently the party’s only sitting governor in the Southwest. A senior PDP figure in the region acknowledged that while a defection could happen at any time, the governor’s preferred destination remains unclear.
The prolonged uncertainty is beginning to reshape the political landscape in Oyo State. Anxiety is rising as the Independent National Electoral Commission’s May 9 deadline for party membership registration approaches, ahead of primaries scheduled before May 30.
At a recent stakeholders’ meeting in Ibadan, Makinde said he was satisfied with the PDP and dismissed any immediate plans to defect. Nonetheless, he indicated that the party’s next steps would depend on the outcome of a Supreme Court judgment concerning its internal leadership crisis.
Although he assured supporters that the PDP would appear on the ballot, he stopped short of ruling out a switch to another platform if the judgment does not favour his faction.
The ruling in question, which nullified the party’s November 2025 national convention in Ibadan, has deepened divisions within the PDP. Rival factions continue to interpret the judgment differently, prolonging the leadership dispute.
Political stakeholders warn that time is running out for aspirants to make crucial decisions about their political futures. Sources within the party say the uncertainty is already taking a psychological toll on members aligned with the governor, with some expressing frustration and others losing confidence in the party’s ability to resolve its internal crisis.
One insider described the situation as exhausting, noting that neither faction appears willing to уступ ground for fear of appearing weak. Another source, however, defended Makinde’s approach, pointing to the inauguration of an Interim National Working Committee led by Taminu Turaki as a strategic counterbalance.
Meanwhile, defections continue to highlight growing unease within the party. In February, Oyo State lawmaker Dawood Akanni Olalere defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC). In March, Ibadan politician Adegboyega Adegoke also left the PDP, citing its “intractable crisis,” and joined the ADC to pursue his governorship ambition.
Similarly, House of Representatives aspirant Femi Onireti defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in April, where he was subsequently appointed Director-General of the City Boy Movement in Oyo State.
Subtle realignments are also occurring within the PDP, with governorship aspirant Beulah Adeoye recently aligning with a rival faction and engaging key figures within that bloc.
While earlier defections had fuelled speculation of a possible mass movement led by Makinde, recent developments suggest that such a coordinated shift may not materialise—at least not immediately.
For now, two critical questions dominate discussions among Makinde’s supporters: which political platform they will ultimately adopt, and who will emerge as the governor’s preferred successor.
While uncertainty persists over the former, sources indicate that Makinde may have already settled on his choice of successor, with an announcement expected in the coming days.