A political group loyal to Taminu Turaki has distanced itself from the position of Seyi Makinde and declared support for the national caretaker leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) backed by Nyesom Wike.
The development is seen as a setback for Makinde, who has consistently opposed reconciliation with the caretaker leadership of the party led by Abdulrahman Mohammed.
Speaking with journalists, Turaki said his group had decided to pursue peace and reconciliation within the party to restore stability.
He noted that leaders from both factions had begun discussions aimed at resolving their differences and restoring unity in the PDP.
Makinde had earlier maintained that although he would remain in the PDP, he would not work with the Mohammed-led caretaker committee backed by Wike.
During a visit to Bala Mohammed in Bauchi on Sunday, the Oyo governor reiterated his refusal to collaborate with the caretaker leadership, arguing that doing so would amount to indirectly supporting the re-election of Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He repeated the stance on Monday in Ibadan during a meeting with his supporters, where he said individuals seeking elective positions could contest on another political platform with his support. Makinde added that the platform would be announced on April 18.
Despite the governor’s position, Turaki said his group had chosen the path of reconciliation in the interest of the party.
He urged supporters across all factions to tone down inflammatory statements and actions that could undermine ongoing efforts to restore unity.
Meanwhile, Wike also said the caretaker committee remains open to dialogue with all aggrieved members and factions within the party as efforts continue to resolve the internal crisis ahead of future elections.
