As the 2027 general election approaches, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, appears caught in a complex web of political calculations that could redefine his post-governorship trajectory. The deepening crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), his long-standing political platform, has forced him into a delicate balancing act among emerging alternatives, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), and Accord Party.
At the centre of Makinde’s dilemma is the protracted PDP leadership crisis, which has split the party into rival factions. One bloc is led by former Minister of Special Duties, Tanimu Turaki, widely believed to enjoy Makinde’s backing. The opposing camp is aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, with Abdulrahman Mohammed as chairman. This division has not only weakened the PDP nationally but also created uncertainty for governors like Makinde seeking political continuity beyond their tenure. The crisis reached a boiling point after the PDP National Convention held in Ibadan on November 15 and 16, 2025, which produced Turaki. The Wike faction boycotted the convention and set up a caretaker committee. For Makinde, who hosted the convention in his home state, the fallout represented both a political embarrassment and a strategic crossroads.
With legal battles trailing the disputed convention, attention has shifted to the judiciary. The Supreme Court is expected to deliver a final verdict on April 22, 2026 — a decision that could either reunify the PDP or formalise its fragmentation. Political observers say Makinde’s next move may depend heavily on the outcome, as the ruling will determine which faction gains legitimacy.
Beyond party politics, Makinde’s situation is further complicated by his strained relationship with Ibadan-based broadcaster Oriyomi Hamzat, chairman of Agidigbo FM. Once a close ally, Hamzat rose to prominence after playing a pivotal role in Makinde’s emergence in the 2019 governorship election, criss-crossing Oyo State to galvanise grassroots support for the then candidate. Hamzat’s influence extended into Makinde’s re-election in 2023, where he was widely credited with mobilising local networks and shaping public opinion in favour of the governor through his media platforms. Their alliance was seen as a model of political-media synergy, blending grassroots communication with strategic messaging
However, the relationship has since deteriorated amid undisclosed disagreements, leading to a dramatic fallout that reverberated across the state’s political landscape. The once formidable alliance fractured, leaving both figures on separate paths ahead of the 2027 contest. The rift deepened in December 2024 when Hamzat and former wife of the Ooni of Ife, Queen Naomi Silekunola, were arrested and arraigned following a stampede at a children’ Christmas funfair that claimed about 35 lives. Though they were freed in March 2025 after the Oyo State Government withdrew the case, the episode further distanced Hamzat from Makinde’s political orbit.
In a significant political shift, Hamzat has declared his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election on the platform of the Accord Party. His entry introduces a new dynamic into Oyo politics, particularly given his previous role in mobilising the grassroots machinery that supported Makinde’s victories. This development raises critical questions about whether Makinde and Hamzat can reconcile. A potential reunion could see Makinde aligning with the Accord Party and leveraging Hamzat’s structure for succession politics. Conversely, Hamzat’s independent trajectory may signal a complete break, with both men competing for influence over the same voter base.
Meanwhile, sources within Makinde’s inner circle suggest that the governor is also exploring the option of joining the NDC, a platform being championed by former Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Seriake Dickson. Such a move, if confirmed, would represent a strategic departure from the PDP and could reshape alliances ahead of 2027.
The possibility of Makinde defecting alongside his preferred successor adds another layer of intrigue. Analysts believe this could give him greater control over party structures and candidate selection, especially if the PDP crisis remains unresolved or unfavourable to his faction.
For now, Makinde stands at a political crossroads. Whether he remains in a fractured PDP, aligns with the ADC, embraces the Accord Party, or charts a new course with the NDC, his eventual decision is likely to become clear in the coming weeks.