The crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party intensified on Thursday as several loyalists and political associates of Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, announced their resignation from the party amid growing internal divisions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The latest wave of defections is believed to be connected to the lingering power tussle within the PDP, particularly between camps loyal to Governor Makinde and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
Investigations revealed that many of the party stalwarts who resigned are considered key allies of the Oyo governor.
Although there are speculations that some of them may be heading to the Allied Peoples’ Movement, none of the defectors has officially disclosed a new political platform.
Among those who have exited the PDP are former governorship aspirant, Ambassador Olufemi Oguntoyinbo; the governor’s Special Adviser on Security, Fatai Owoseni; and the 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; the lawmaker representing Ibadan North East/Ibadan South East Federal Constituency, Abass Adigun; as well as Adedeji Olajide, who represents Ibadan North West/Ibadan South West Federal Constituency.
Speaking on his decision to leave the party, Fadeyi blamed the prolonged internal wrangling within the PDP.
“Yes, I am leaving the party. The reason is the same being cited by others. The crisis within the party has become unbearable,” he said during a telephone interview on Thursday.
Similarly, Olatunji, a former PDP Publicity Secretary in the state, accused Wike of worsening the turmoil within the opposition party.
“It is true that I have left the PDP because of the internal crisis.
Wike has destabilised the party and made it difficult for it to function effectively. We believe our people deserve better governance,” he stated.
Sources within the party disclosed that more allies of Governor Makinde may soon announce their resignation as political realignments gather momentum ahead of the next election cycle.