- Dickson Lobbies Oyo Gov Amidst ADC Squabbles
- To Decide Possible Successor At April 8 Stakeholders Meeting
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, is weighing a possible defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the emerging Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), as the crisis rocking the opposition party continues to deepen at both national and state levels.
Top sources confirmed to OSUN DEFENDER over the weekend that former Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, has intensified efforts to bring Makinde into the NDC fold, positioning the platform as a stabilising alternative amid growing disaffection within the PDP.
Findings revealed that the move is said to be gaining traction, particularly among the two remaining PDP governors and stakeholders frustrated with the party’s lingering internal disputes and ongoing developments within the coalition African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had last Wednesday announced the derecognition of the David-Mark NWC due to lingering court cases surrounding the adoption of the party by opposition leaders.
In Oyo State, the PDP’s internal contest for succession has further exposed divisions, following the screening of governorship aspirants.
Those confirmed to have been screened by the Bolaji Ayorinde (SAN) committee include a member of the House of Representatives representing Ibadan South-West/North-East, Adedeji Olajide (Odidiomo); State Chairman of Universal Basic Education, Nureni Adeniran; former Commissioner for Finance, Budget, and Planning during the late former Governor Abiola Ajimobi’s administration, Bimbo Adekanmbi; state Chairman of the Agribusiness Development Agency, Debo Akande; and Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin, among others.
It was gathered that party insiders, however, have insisted that beyond the formal screening process, some individuals are perceived to enjoy the confidence of the governor.
While Makinde has publicly maintained that competence and loyalty will guide his decision, sources say there is a growing belief that he is more comfortable with technocratic and reform-minded aspirants who align closely with his governance style.
A senior party figure in Ibadan explained, “The governor is not just looking for a successor; he is looking for continuity of his policy direction. That is why those who understand his economic reforms, infrastructure drive, and administrative approach are being quietly assessed beyond the surface of the screening exercise.”
At the national level, the PDP crisis remains unresolved, with the lingering rift between Makinde and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, worsening the situation. The struggle for control of party structures has polarised the PDP, with several blocs emerging across the country.
The crisis took a sharper turn following the position of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which recognised officials produced during last week’s National Convention of the party, affirming Wike’s leadership in the party.
Amid these developments, Makinde is set to meet with key Oyo PDP stakeholders on April 8 in what insiders describe as a “make-or-break” consultation. The meeting is expected to shape his political direction, including whether he remains in the PDP or aligns with the emerging NDC coalition.
A source close to the governor told OSUN DEFENDER, “This is not a decision he will take lightly. He understands the implications for Oyo State and for national politics. The April 8 meeting is about listening to the people who have stood with him politically and weighing all available options carefully. The date has been communicated to relevant stakeholders since two weeks ago.”
On the lobbying by Dickson, another insider revealed, “Senator Dickson has made a strong case that the NDC can provide a fresh start. His argument is that the PDP, in its current form, may not be salvageable before the next election cycle. He believes leaders like Makinde are crucial.
“If Makinde eventually moves, it will not just be about him. It will affect the entire political structure in Oyo. Those seen as aligned with him, especially among the aspirants, will likely follow, and that could significantly alter the balance ahead of 2027,” the insider noted further.
Sodiq Yusuf is a trained media practitioner and journalist with considerable years of experience in print, broadcast, and digital journalism. His interests cover a wide range of causes in politics, governance, sports, community development, and good governance.
