PDP crisis: Makinde loyalists dump PDP in Oyo state ahead of 2027

By Lateef Ibrahim

The crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), in Oyo State worsened on Thursday following the defection of several key loyalists and political associates of Governor Seyi Makinde from the party.
The latest development comes amid growing internal wrangling within the PDP, with factions allegedly aligned to Governor Makinde and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, battling for control of the party structure.
Those who announced their resignation from the PDP on Thursday cited the lingering internal crisis as the major reason for their decision to quit the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Prominent figures said to have dumped the PDP include governorship aspirant, Olufemi Oguntoyinbo; the governor’s Special Adviser on Security, Fatai Owoseni; and Chairman of Oluyole Local Government Area, Akeem Olatunji.
Others are Deputy Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Abiodun Fadeyi; House of Representatives member representing Ibarapa North/Ibarapa Central Federal Constituency, Anthony Adepoju; Abass Adigun; and Adedeji Olajide.
Speaking on his decision to leave the party, Fadeyi said the persistent internal crisis within the PDP forced many members to reconsider their stay in the party.
“Yes, I am also leaving the party. I am defecting, of course. The reason is what others are giving. It is due to the internal crisis,” he said.
Olatunji also blamed the party’s crisis on the activities of Wike, accusing the FCT minister of destabilising the PDP.
“You know Wike has bastardized the party. He did not allow the party to breathe. We need to give the people of our constituency the opportunity to enjoy good governance,” Olatunji said.
Although speculations suggest that many of the defectors may be heading to the Allied Peoples’ Movement, none of them has officially confirmed the political platform they intend to join.
Sources within the party also hinted that more loyalists of Governor Makinde may leave the PDP in the coming days as political realignments intensify ahead of 2027.