BAUCHI, Nigeria – Oyo State’s Governor Seyi Makinde, has pledged to reconcile differences within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and extend support to the party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.
The announcement came during a Saturday, June 3, 2023, retreat for elected PDP officials in Bauchi State.
Although Makinde did not mention specific names, he indicated that the reconciliation process would begin immediately.
Makinde was one of the five PDP governors, known as the G-5, who had previously called for the resignation of the party’s national chairman, Iyorchia Ayu, in support of Atiku Abubakar’s presidential ambitions.
The group, led by former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike, included former governors Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia, and Samuel Ortom of Benue.
The G-5 maintained that since both Atiku and Ayu were northerners, Ayu should step down to allow a southerner to assume the national chairmanship.
Many PDP members and analysts believe Ayu’s refusal to resign significantly contributed to the party’s disappointing performance at the presidential poll.
During his opening remarks at the PDP retreat, Makinde acknowledged the party’s internal conflict and its impact on the recent election.
“First, we went through a drilling election and whether we want to admit it or not, we have issues among ourselves during the elections,” Governor Makinde said, promising that the healing process would start now.
Makinde further urged party leaders to concentrate on unity, stating, “We must focus on things that will unite us. We must, as a matter of urgency, be forward-looking.” He assured that PDP governors were willing and ready to play a stabilising role in the party.
In response to Makinde’s comments, PDP governorship candidate in Kogi State, Dino Melaye, called on Makinde to demonstrate his commitment to reconciliation by appearing at the Presidential Election Tribunal in Abuja.
Melaye stressed the importance of high-level party representatives attending the tribunal to signal a united PDP ready to regain power.
Whether Makinde’s position will gain full support from the rest of the G-5 remains unclear.
