The crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party took a fresh turn on Thursday as several loyalists and close associates of Seyi Makinde announced their resignation from the party in Oyo State.
The latest wave of defections comes amid growing divisions within the PDP ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The party has in recent months been split into rival camps, with one faction loyal to Governor Makinde and another aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
Findings revealed that no fewer than 10 prominent chieftains of the party in the state have resigned from the PDP.
Among those who reportedly dumped the party are a former governorship aspirant, Olufemi Oguntoyinbo; Makinde’s Special Adviser on Security, Fatai Owoseni; and Chairman of Oluyole Local Government Area, Akeem Olatunji.
Others include the Deputy Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Abiodun Fadeyi; a member of the House of Representatives representing Ibarapa North/Ibarapa Central Federal Constituency, Anthony Adepoju; lawmaker representing Ibadan North East/Ibadan South East Federal Constituency, Abass Adigun; and Adedeji Olajide, who represents Ibadan North West/Ibadan South West Federal Constituency.
Although speculations suggest that many of the defectors may be heading to the Allied Peoples’ Movement, none of them has officially disclosed a new political platform.
Speaking on his decision to quit the PDP, Fadeyi blamed the lingering internal crisis within the party.
“Yes, I am leaving the party. The reason is the same thing others have mentioned the internal crisis,” he reportedly said during a telephone interview.
Olatunji also attributed his resignation to the prolonged leadership dispute within the PDP, accusing Wike of destabilising the party.
“Wike has bastardised the party. He did not allow the party to breathe. We need to give our people the opportunity to enjoy good governance,” he said.
As of the time of filing this report, indications emerged that more loyalists of Governor Makinde were preparing to leave the PDP as political realignments intensify ahead of the 2027 elections.
