Quote from Amina_A on May 10, 2026, 10:19 am

The political alliance that once defined the “G-5” governors has completely fractured, with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde now locked in a fierce “cold war.” This fallout has sent shockwaves through the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as both men battle for the soul of the party ahead of the 2027 general elections. The dispute, which began over leadership structures in the South-West, has now escalated into a broader ideological and personal conflict.

Makinde has recently alleged that Wike has volunteered to “hold the PDP” for President Bola Tinubu, effectively turning the main opposition party into a subsidiary of the ruling APC. Wike has dismissed these claims as a “blatant lie” fueled by Makinde’s own presidential frustrations. The Minister’s camp argues that Makinde is attempting to bypass established party procedures to install an interim structure that would favor his personal ambitions.

The rivalry has also taken a deeply personal turn, with both leaders exchanging jabs regarding their career trajectories. Makinde recently mocked Wike’s political style, emphasizing his own background as a successful businessman who made his first million dollars before entering politics. In a swift rebuttal, Wike referred to Makinde as a “junior brother” in the political arena, suggesting the Oyo Governor lacks the “political maturity” and “street smarts” required to lead at a national level.

This internal strife has left the PDP in a state of paralysis, with various factions now siding with one of the two titans. The Supreme Court recently voided the Ibadan convention backed by Makinde, handing a temporary victory to the Wike-aligned faction. However, political observers believe this victory is pyrrhic, as the ongoing division only serves to strengthen the ruling party’s grip on power while the opposition continues to cannibalize itself.

 

https://www.thisdaylive.com/2026/05/10/the-brothers-who-became-enemies-inside-the-wike-makinde-cold-war/