Makinde Plots Escape From Sinking PDP

Governor in secret talks with ADC leaders — Adeleke undecided as court battles tear party apart

 

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, is reportedly in secret discussions with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) over a possible defection, as the internal crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) continues to escalate.

Investigations by Patriotic Insights News revealed that the governor has held several behind-the-scenes meetings with key ADC figures, exploring the possibility of an alliance or outright defection should the PDP crisis deepen further.

According to sources familiar with the development, Makinde has become increasingly frustrated with the unresolved leadership tussle within the PDP and the growing influence of his estranged ally and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

“Governor Makinde already has one leg in the ADC. Once it becomes clear that the PDP can no longer hold together, he will move. It’s only a matter of timing,” one senior ADC insider revealed.

The source added that Makinde’s move is part of a wider strategic realignment in the South-West as several political figures begin to distance themselves from the troubled PDP ahead of future elections.

However, it remains uncertain whether Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, will join Makinde in making such a move.

Another source within the PDP explained that while some of Adeleke’s close associates have suggested exploring other political options, the governor himself remains cautious and undecided.

> “Adeleke is still studying the situation. A former governor and family ally has assured him that the PDP crisis will soon be resolved, so he’s not in a hurry to leave,” the source disclosed.

 

Analysts believe that should Makinde eventually defect, it could trigger a ripple effect across the South-West, potentially altering the balance of political forces within the opposition.

Meanwhile, the PDP’s leadership woes worsened this week following conflicting court rulings over its proposed national convention scheduled to hold in Ibadan, Oyo State capital.

Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, in suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/2120/2025, had restrained the party from conducting the exercise pending compliance with its constitution, the Nigerian Constitution, and the Electoral Act.

The suit was filed by three aggrieved party officials — Austin Nwachukwu (Imo PDP chairman), Amah Abraham Nnanna (Abia PDP chairman), and Turnah Alabh George (PDP Secretary, South-South) — who accused the party of violating due process.

Justice Omotosho also directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not to recognise any outcome from a convention conducted outside the law and INEC guidelines.

However, in a dramatic twist, an Oyo State High Court on Monday issued a contrary order allowing the PDP to proceed with the exercise.

Justice Ladiran Akintola, presiding over suit number I/1336/2025, adjourned the matter to November 10, 2025, for hearing of the motion on notice.

As tensions heighten across the PDP fold, political observers say Makinde’s next move could redefine the opposition’s structure in the South-West, especially if the governor formally aligns with the ADC in the coming months.