Manny Ita –
Prominent chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party have called for an immediate reconciliation between Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike, warning that the escalating public feud between the two influential figures is eroding what remains of the party’s cohesion and electoral strength.
Party leaders, speaking amid growing concern within the PDP, said the sustained exchange of accusations and counter-accusations has deepened internal divisions and weakened the party’s ability to function as a united opposition. One chieftain warned that “the continued public confrontation between two senior leaders is doing untold damage to the party’s image and credibility,” adding that silence or inaction could prove costly ahead of future elections.
The disagreement, which has played out openly through media statements and political alignments, is seen by party elders as a distraction from rebuilding efforts following recent electoral setbacks. Another senior member said the PDP could not afford to be consumed by internal rivalries, noting that “this fight is shrinking our influence and pushing supporters away at a time when unity is most needed.”
Chieftains said repeated attempts at behind-the-scenes mediation had yielded limited results, prompting renewed calls for an urgent truce. According to one source, “personal grievances must be set aside for the collective interest of the party,” stressing that both Makinde and Wike remain critical to PDP’s national relevance.
The leaders urged the party’s national organs and respected elders to intervene decisively, warning that failure to resolve the dispute could further fragment the PDP. “If this rift continues unchecked, the party risks losing its remaining strongholds and its voice as a serious political force,” a chieftain cautioned.
