Coalition Without Consent: Makinde Calls Out Atiku’s Solo Act
In a stunning public declaration, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has categorically distanced the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s recent coalition formation. Speaking on a national TV program, Makinde revealed that neither the PDP Governors’ Forum nor the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) was consulted before the March 20 declaration at the Yar’Adua Centre, which saw Atiku and political allies, including former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai, announce a new political alliance.
“The party organs have no clue what is in this coalition,” Makinde said, calling the move “personal” and not reflective of any PDP-wide decision.
The governor’s stance echoes the communique issued by the PDP Governors’ Forum in Ibadan, which emphasized internal restructuring over premature coalitions.
PDP Leadership in Turmoil: The Anyanwu Standoff
As the party grapples with the implications of Atiku’s unauthorized coalition move, a fresh legal storm is brewing over the party’s National Secretary position.
Senator Samuel Anyanwu, who has long been embroiled in controversy, insisted that he remains the duly recognized PDP National Secretary. He cited a March 2025 Supreme Court judgment that reaffirmed his position and invalidated earlier contradictory decisions.
“This is not the first time shortcuts that contradict our constitution have been tried,” Anyanwu stated, rebuking the PDP Governors’ decision to install Deputy National Secretary Setonji Koshoedo in an interim capacity.
The rift deepened as the PDP Youth Group in the South-South accused five PDP governors of secretly supporting President Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, while targeting Anyanwu for his perceived closeness to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.
Legal Tension vs Political Strategy
The party’s National Legal Adviser reportedly warned that the appointment of Koshoedo contradicted the Supreme Court ruling. Anyanwu’s legal team has already submitted the judgment to INEC, signaling that this standoff could escalate into a full-blown legal and political crisis.
This deepening crisis throws the PDP into disarray as it attempts to navigate internal fractures while preparing for the 2027 general election.
Makinde: “Don’t Set an Agenda for Me”
Amid growing whispers about his own presidential ambition, Governor Makinde remained defiant.
“I won’t allow anyone to set an agenda for me,” he said, brushing aside calls for a 2027 run. “If my political journey ends as governor of Oyo State, I’ll cherish that.”
Instead, Makinde touted his achievements in road infrastructure, security, and agribusiness, noting his recent trip to France to finalize a deal with Rungis International for a wholesale food market in Ijaiye. He cited the project and other agro-processing zones as proof of his administration’s impact.
🧮 Key Takeaways:
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Atiku’s Coalition Snubbed: PDP leadership distances itself from Atiku’s alliance, calling it a solo move.
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Anyanwu vs PDP Governors: Legal dispute over rightful National Secretary deepens intra-party tensions.
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Governors Under Fire: Accused of hypocrisy and secret Tinubu support by party youth group.
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Makinde Holds Ground: Dismisses presidential bid rumours, focuses on governance in Oyo.
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