Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has issued a stern warning to factions within his own party, urging that no one should engage in “political suicide” over disagreements surrounding the upcoming PDP National Convention. His admonition came in the context of efforts by some leaders aligned with Nyesom Wike to challenge or halt the party’s convention plans.
Makinde, who chairs the PDP National Convention Transportation Subcommittee, spoke on Monday shortly after unveiling the committee in Abuja. He said that attempts to stop what he described as a “moving train” — the party’s march toward convention — would amount to self-destructive behavior. “My advice is this: no matter how highly placed, no matter what has transpired in the past, we don’t want to see anyone dead. So please, don’t commit suicide,” he warned.
His comments followed months of internal dissent within the Peoples Democratic Party, especially from some who contend that zones and leadership positions have been unfairly micro-zoned or allocated. Some Wike-aligned actors have openly threatened legal action to restrain the convention from going ahead.
Despite defections by some prominent figures to the ruling APC or other coalitions, Makinde insisted the PDP remains focused and undeterred. He said the party would allow the people to make the final judgment at the polls.
When asked whether his own presidential ambitions might influence his posture, the governor downplayed such speculation, stating his priority was to ensure a successful and credible convention first.