Former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose has launched a scathing attack on Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, accusing him of systematically dismantling the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) structures across Nigeria’s South-West region. This serious allegation intensifies an already simmering internal power struggle within the opposition party, drawing sharp focus on the leadership dynamics ahead of crucial future elections. Fayose’s public denunciation underscores deep-seated disagreements over regional control and party direction.

Fayose, a veteran politician and influential figure within the PDP, asserted that Governor Makinde’s actions were deliberately designed to sideline long-standing party members and establish a personal hegemony over the regional apparatus. He specifically pointed to a perceived lack of consultation with other key stakeholders and elders, suggesting a unilateral approach to party governance that disregards established hierarchies and collective decision-making. These claims indicate a significant threat to party cohesion.

Governor Makinde, currently the sole PDP governor in the South-West, has undeniably emerged as a dominant force in the region’s political landscape since his election in 2019. His strategic position has naturally elevated him to a de facto leadership role, a status that has, however, also attracted criticism from those who believe he wields disproportionate influence. This concentration of power is at the heart of the current conflict, fueling accusations of authoritarian tendencies within the party.

The acrimony between Fayose and Makinde represents more than a personal feud; it mirrors a broader ideological battle for the soul of the PDP in the South-West. Fayose’s faction contends that Makinde’s alleged restructuring efforts are not aimed at strengthening the party but rather at consolidating his own political base, potentially at the expense of loyalists who have dedicated decades to the party’s growth and survival in a region largely dominated by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Instances cited by Fayose’s camp include the outcomes of recent state and zonal party congresses, where candidates reportedly aligned with Governor Makinde frequently secured leadership positions. These developments have sparked accusations of internal democracy being subverted, with dissenting voices claiming that due process was circumvented to ensure the victory of preferred individuals, thereby marginalizing other legitimate aspirants and their supporters. Such actions, they argue, weaken the party from within.

This is not the first occasion Fayose has publicly expressed concerns regarding Governor Makinde’s leadership style. Previous statements have hinted at a growing rift, but the current pronouncement marks a significant escalation, bringing the internal discord into sharper national focus. The former governor’s consistent criticisms highlight a fundamental disagreement over regional party stewardship and the approach to expanding the PDP’s influence.

The implications of this sustained internal conflict for the PDP are profound, particularly as the party strategizes for upcoming electoral cycles. A fragmented South-West chapter could severely hamper the party’s ability to mount a formidable challenge against the APC, jeopardizing its prospects for electoral victories in a geopolitically crucial region. Unity is often cited as a prerequisite for electoral success, and its absence here is a major concern.

Efforts by the national leadership of the PDP to broker a lasting peace between the warring factions have reportedly yielded limited success. Despite several attempts at reconciliation meetings and consultations, the fundamental disagreements persist, indicating a deep-seated lack of trust and a continued struggle for control. The absence of a clear resolution allows the internal strife to fester, potentially causing further damage.

Political analysts widely view this ongoing saga as a classic display of intra-party power dynamics, where the ambitions of influential figures often clash with the collective objectives of the party. The outcome of this high-stakes battle will undoubtedly redefine the political landscape of the South-West PDP, determining its future direction and its capacity to remain a viable opposition force in the region. The resolution, or lack thereof, will be closely watched.

The PDP’s national executive council faces the delicate task of balancing regional autonomy with the need for party discipline and unity. Allowing the feud to escalate unchecked could lead to defections or a significant loss of grassroots support, weakening the party’s overall structure. A swift and decisive intervention may be necessary to prevent further erosion of trust and to refocus the party on its primary objective of electoral success.

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Keywords: Ayodele Fayose, Seyi Makinde, PDP South-West, Peoples Democratic Party, Nigerian politics, internal party conflict, regional leadership, Oyo State Governor