Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has urged Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike not to instigate conflict in Oyo amid tensions within the Peoples Democratic Party. Wike's threats to disrupt states supporting Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara have intensified the party's ongoing power struggle.
Seyi Makinde, the Governor of Oyo State, has called on Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, to avoid instigating conflict in his state. This appeal comes in light of Wike's recent threats to create disturbances in states governed by Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) officials who back Siminalayi Fubara, the Governor of Rivers State, amid ongoing factional disputes within the party.
At an event hosted by the Ijaw Peoples Congress in Port Harcourt, Makinde presented a gesture of peace, stressing the importance of maintaining harmony in Oyo. Wike's threats were sparked by ongoing power struggles over party leadership in Rivers, resulting in divisions within the state assembly and the election of opposing speakers loyal to both Wike and Fubara.
In reaction to statements from Bala Mohammed, who leads the PDP Governors’ Forum, Wike asserted his authority over the governors challenging him, declaring, “I am too big...they cannot stand it.” He criticized the party's leadership for its failure to secure the governorship election in Edo against the All Progressives Congress, blaming a lack of strategic focus.
Wike's comments underscored the severity of the internal strife within the PDP as he warned against any interference in Rivers State, referring to it as a “special state to God.” Makinde’s plea for caution highlights efforts to preserve peace and stability in the region amid rising tensions.
