Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Tuesday sharply rebuked the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over recent comments on the affairs of the Peoples Democratic Party in Oyo State.
According to weatwrnmirror.com.ng reports he pointedly queried what the former Rivers State governor had done for the PDP in his own state to warrant his confidence to interfere in the party’s affairs in Oyo state.
Makinde spoke in Ibadan during the official commissioning of the newly constructed Oyo State PDP Secretariat located in Oke-Ado, in Ibadan.
The event was attended by party’s national chairman, Alhaji Aminu Turaki, and other leaders of the party, elected and appointed officials, stakeholders and supporters from across the state.
Wike had earlier reportedly stated that he was particularly interested in the affairs of the PDP in Oyo state, a statement perceived by political stakeholders as daring governor Makinde, who is the leader of the party in the state.
Reacting to Wike’s remarks on the political direction of the PDP in Oyo and his keen interest, the governor described them as misplaced, insisting that the Oyo chapter of the party remained stable, focused and united.
“What exactly has he done for the PDP in Rivers State that now gives him the moral standing to dabble into the affairs of Oyo State?” Makinde queried.
The governor said the commissioning of the new secretariat was clear evidence of the party’s strength and organisational discipline in the state, noting that the PDP in Oyo had continued to grow because of inclusive leadership and internal cohesion.
According to Makinde, party building goes beyond rhetoric stressing that tangible investments in structures, people and democratic processes were what sustained political parties over time.
Makinde also urged party members to remain focused and not be drawn into distractions capable of undermining unity ahead of future political engagements.
He expressed confidence in the judiciary and its capacity to dispense justice on the ongoing litigation between the two factions and also serve as the last hope of the common man.
He reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening the PDP in Oyo State and contributing meaningfully to the party’s stability at the national level.
The governor subsequently handed over the edifice to the national chairman, Alhaji Turaki for onward handing over to the party’s BoT.
