The cold war between the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has taken a vitriolic turn. In a sharp rebuke delivered just hours after Wike declared his interest in the political activities of Oyo State, Governor Makinde launched a scathing counter-attack, challenging the Minister’s track record and questioning his moral standing to intervene in another state’s affairs.

The exchange marks a new low in the relationship between the two prominent politicians, once allies within the G5 group of governors.

The Trigger: Wike’s “Interest” in OyoThe controversy began during a media interaction where Minister Wike was asked about the internal crises rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) across various states. When the conversation shifted to Oyo State, Wike did not hold back, stating that he had a significant interest in what happens in the state.According to Wike, Oyo State remains critical to the PDP’s fortunes, and as a leader of the party, he cannot fold his hands and watch the structure collapse. He insinuated that his influence extends beyond the shores of Rivers and the FCT, a statement that many political analysts interpreted as a direct challenge to Governor Makinde’s autonomy.

Reacting swiftly during a campaign stop in Ibadan, Governor Makinde appeared visibly irate. Dismissing Wike’s comments as the ramblings of a meddlesome interloper, Makinde did not mince words. He addressed the crowd, referring to the Minister in derogatory terms, labeling him a “vagabond” who has no business dictating the political direction of Oyo State.“He said he is interested in Oyo? Let him come,” Makinde mocked, according to sources at the rally. “They should ask this vagabond—this political wanderer—what exactly he has done for the PDP in Rivers State.”

The Rivers Question: A Damning IndictmentThe core of Makinde’s attack focused on Wike’s home state, Rivers. The Governor challenged the Minister to point to one legacy project or political structure he has successfully handed over to the PDP in Rivers since leaving office as Governor.“You are talking about Oyo, but your house is on fire,” Makinde argued. “What is the state of the PDP in Rivers State today? Who are the stakeholders? Since you left office, have you strengthened the party or have you sold it to the highest bidder? Ask him what he has done for PDP in Rivers State.”

Makinde’s questions touch on a sore spot for the PDP. Following the 2023 general elections and the subsequent political realignment in Rivers State, the PDP has been left in disarray. The current state governor, Sim Fubara, is locked in a bitter battle with Wike, his predecessor and godfather. The crisis has split the party’s structure, leading to the defection of many lawmakers and a collapse of the party’s once-formidable machinery in the South-South.