A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former Deputy National Chairman of the party, Chief Bode George, has called on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, to end their ongoing disagreement and reconcile in the interest of the party.
George made the call on Monday during an interview on Politics Today, a current affairs programme on Channels Television. The elder statesman described the public rift between the two prominent PDP leaders as embarrassing and harmful to the image of the party.
“I want to advise them. Enough of these shenanigans. In politics, whatever you want to do within your system, you do it,” George said during the interview.
The disagreement between Wike and Makinde, who were once close allies within the PDP, has in recent weeks drawn national attention. The dispute centres on issues related to the leadership and future direction of the PDP, especially ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Governor Makinde recently alleged that Wike had pledged to work against the PDP in the 2027 presidential election by supporting President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC). According to Makinde, such a move would further weaken the opposition party at a time when unity is most needed.
However, Wike strongly denied the allegation. During a media parley with selected journalists in Port Harcourt on Monday, the former Rivers State governor accused Makinde of working against the PDP and undermining party structures. Wike insisted that he remains a loyal member of the PDP, despite serving as a minister in the APC-led Federal Government.
The exchange of accusations has deepened divisions within the PDP and raised concerns among party elders and supporters. Many fear that continued infighting among key leaders could further weaken the party ahead of future elections.
Chief Bode George, a respected voice within the PDP, said such public disagreements should not be allowed to continue. He stressed that party leaders must resolve their differences internally rather than through the media.
According to George, internal discipline and respect for party structures are essential for any political organisation that wants to remain strong and relevant.
Wike and Makinde both played key roles in the now-defunct G5 group within the PDP. The group also included former governors Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State, Samuel Ortom of Benue State, and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State. The G5 emerged during the buildup to the 2023 general elections, following internal disputes within the PDP over zoning of the presidential ticket.
The group insisted that the PDP should present a presidential candidate from the southern part of the country in the interest of fairness and power balance. When the party failed to meet their demand, the G5 openly opposed the PDP’s presidential candidate and supported Bola Tinubu of the APC in the 2023 election.
Their actions caused deep divisions within the PDP and were widely seen as a major factor in the party’s poor performance in the presidential election.
George revealed that he had advised members of the G5 against taking unilateral decisions during that period. According to him, no individual or group within the party has the right to decide who the PDP should support without proper consultation and agreement.
“I warned them at the time that whatever decision they wanted to take should be done within the party. You cannot take decisions alone and expect the party to accept it,” George said.
The PDP has been struggling with internal crises since losing the 2023 presidential election. Disputes over leadership positions, party congresses, and control of state chapters have continued to affect the party at both national and state levels.
Many party members believe that reconciliation among key leaders like Wike and Makinde is necessary if the PDP is to rebuild and present a strong opposition ahead of 2027.
Governor Makinde, who currently chairs the PDP Governors’ Forum, is seen as an influential figure in the party’s future. Wike, on the other hand, remains a powerful political force, especially in the South-South region, despite his role in the APC-led government.
Their continued conflict has created uncertainty within the party, with supporters taking sides and tensions rising in several state chapters.
Chief Bode George appealed to both leaders to put the party first and avoid actions that could further damage its chances.
He reminded them that political disagreements are normal but should be handled with maturity and respect.
As the PDP prepares for future elections, party elders and stakeholders are expected to intensify efforts to resolve internal conflicts and restore unity. Whether Wike and Makinde will heed George’s call for reconciliation remains to be seen.
For now, the call by Bode George reflects growing concern within the PDP over the impact of ongoing disputes on the party’s stability and prospects. Many party faithful hope that dialogue and compromise will prevail, allowing the party to move forward as a united force.