A political scientist, Akinwunmi Akinfenwa, has said that Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State remains firmly in control of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, despite the growing influence of the party’s internal power blocs at the national level.
Akinfenwa made the assertion on Wednesday while speaking during an interview on Arise Television’s Morning Show.
According to him, while the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, is a major political force nationally, Makinde’s grip on Ibadan and Oyo State politics is unquestionable.
“While we can acknowledge that the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, is politically strong, when it comes to Ibadan politics, we must give it to Governor Seyi Makinde,” Akinfenwa said.
He also weighed in on President Bola Tinubu’s recent comments and posture regarding the Rivers State political crisis, describing it as a calculated political move rather than a moral one.
According to Akinfenwa, Tinubu’s approach is driven by political pragmatism, noting that Wike played a crucial role in the 2023 general elections and maintains strong grassroots control in Rivers State.
“The President understands that Wike delivered in 2023 and has firm control of the grassroots in Rivers State. He knows he needs him, especially with 2027 in mind,” he said.
Akinfenwa added that while such political calculations may be controversial, they remain a harsh reality of Nigerian politics.
“It’s a terrible thing in politics, but there’s nothing anybody can do about that,” he concluded.
The comments come amid ongoing debates over internal party control, shifting alliances, and early maneuvering ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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