Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has received the unreserved backing of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) state chairmen ahead of the party’s national convention in Ibadan.

The party leaders expressed full confidence in Makinde’s leadership, affirming their commitment to supporting his vision and direction for the PDP.

The chairmen also warned that any attempts to destabilise the party ahead of the 2027 general elections would fail, describing such efforts as “futile” and contrary to the collective interests of the party.

Gossip News Now reports that the meeting, held under the Forum of PDP State Chairmen and led by Edo State chairman Tony Aziegbemi, brought together state party leaders and Governor Makinde at the Oyo State Lodge in Abuja.

While publicly framed as a courtesy visit, insiders told Vanguard that the gathering was a strategic political move aimed at strengthening Makinde’s influence and consolidating alliances ahead of the November convention.

‘This Fight Is Between Darkness and Light’ – Aziegbemi on PDP Tensions Ahead of 2027

Following the recent meeting of PDP state chairmen, Edo State chairman Tony Aziegbemi issued a stern warning, claiming that certain forces are attempting to undermine the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“This fight you see within the PDP isn’t just an internal disagreement; it’s a battle between darkness and light. What those people want is to cripple the PDP and hand the APC a free ride in 2027. But that plan will not succeed,” Aziegbemi said.

Gossip News Now reports that internal tensions within the PDP have intensified, as two rival blocs—one aligned with Governor Seyi Makinde and the other loyal to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike—vie for influence ahead of the party’s national convention in Ibadan, scheduled for November 15–16.

The factions remain divided over key issues, including:

• Recognition of the Dan Orbih-led South-South Zonal Working Committee
• Status of expelled National Vice Chairman (South-East), Ali Odefa
• Reconduct of state congresses in Anambra, Ebonyi, and other states

At the core of the dispute is the question of leadership legitimacy, particularly the continued tenure of Ambassador Umar Damagum as National Chairman after his suspension by the Wike-led camp.

The disagreements highlight deeper fractures within the party, with both sides advancing competing narratives to assert the PDP’s position as a credible opposition force ahead of the 2027 elections.

PDP State Chairmen Show Loyalty to Makinde, Warn Against Factional Divisions

The recent meeting of PDP state chairmen in Abuja, officially described as a courtesy visit to appreciate Governor Seyi Makinde for his stabilising efforts, was widely interpreted as a show of strength by the governor’s camp, now regarded as the party’s dominant power bloc.

Sources told Vanguard that the chairmen expressed concern over individuals deliberately fomenting division to weaken the PDP ahead of the 2027 general elections, a scenario they warned could benefit the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

By framing the internal crisis as a broader struggle for the soul of the party, the chairmen presented themselves as defenders of the PDP, committed to maintaining its relevance in national politics.

Despite the firm stance, Tony Aziegbemi adopted a conciliatory tone toward the suspended chairmen of Imo and Abia States, aligned with the Wike faction.

“The door to reconciliation can never be closed. Those guys are our friends, our brothers. We will continue to see them as such,” Aziegbemi said, supporting reconciliation efforts led by factional Board of Trustees Chairman, Adolphus Wabara.

Gossip News Now reports that the Ibadan convention, scheduled for November 15–16, is expected to be the PDP’s biggest internal test since the 2023 general elections. For Makinde, hosting the event is both an opportunity to solidify his role as a stabilising force and a challenge due to lingering factional tensions.

Party insiders noted that the chairmen’s public show of support was intended to assure Makinde of nationwide backing ahead of the tough negotiations in Ibadan. However, the Wike faction reportedly remains displeased, accusing Makinde’s camp of overreaching and attempting to dominate party structures.

Amid the tensions, Aziegbemi reiterated the chairmen’s united stance behind the governors and the National Working Committee:

“We are with the governors and the National Working Committee to stand on the right side of history. The evil plans of those who want this country to remain where it is will never succeed,” he said.

While it remains uncertain whether the renewed backing for Makinde will translate into lasting party stability, the state chairmen have drawn a clear line, positioning themselves not only as administrators but as guardians of a party determined to remain a formidable force ahead of the 2027 elections.