By Otobong Gabriel, Abuja
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has taken an indirect but pointed swipe at the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, declaring that individuals he described as “vagabonds” no longer have influence within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Makinde made the remarks on Tuesday during the commissioning of the Oyo PDP Secretariat at Oke Ado, Ibadan, in what many observers see as a veiled response to recent criticisms from Wike.
Both leaders were once allies as members of the G5 governors during the build-up to the 2023 general elections, a group that rebelled against the PDP’s national leadership at the time. However, their political relationship has since deteriorated.
Speaking at the event, Makinde said the party had rid itself of disruptive elements, blaming PDP’s past struggles on a leadership vacuum that emerged after it lost power at the federal level in 2015.
Using a local proverb to drive home his point, the governor said peaceful homes do not accommodate troublemakers.
“In Yoruba land, we say that if you see a house that is peaceful, the vagabond there has not grown up,” he said.
“The vagabonds in PDP grew up in 2015. For about 10 years, they practised their ‘vagabondcy,’ but they were expelled in November 2025. So there are no more vagabonds in PDP.”
Makinde added that the party’s defeat in 2015 created a gap in leadership, which allowed indiscipline and internal crises to thrive.
Reflecting on his own past association with the group, the governor admitted he was once aligned with them but has since changed course.
“Let me confess, I came into government in 2019 and towards 2023, I was yoked with them. But now I’ve repented — I’m born again,” he said.
His comments signal growing cracks among former G5 allies and highlight ongoing tensions within the opposition party as it seeks to rebuild and reposition ahead of future elections.
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