“Makinde, Bala May Send Proxies to ADC While Remaining in PDP to Fight Wike” — Sambo

Political analyst Sumner Sambo has suggested that Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed may adopt a dual political strategy ahead of the 2027 elections, amid deepening divisions within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Speaking on *The Morning Show* on Arise Television, Sambo said both governors could field loyalists in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) while remaining in the PDP to counter the influence of Nyesom Wike.

The remarks come as the PDP continues to face internal disputes that have fractured the party into rival factions.

According to Sambo, Makinde is no longer willing to align politically with Wike. He added that Mohammed, who chairs the PDP Governors’ Forum, has also expressed unwillingness to remain in the same camp, accusing Wike of undermining the party that facilitated his political rise.

Sambo noted that Makinde, Mohammed and Wike have been central figures in sustaining the PDP in recent years, but warned that party members may ultimately hold them responsible if the party weakens further.

He outlined two possible scenarios: Makinde could defect to the ADC, or remain within the PDP while backing a preferred successor through another platform. The latter, he said, could further destabilize the party.

The analyst added that some stakeholders believe that if the PDP cannot be rebuilt, efforts may shift toward preventing Wike from leveraging the party for future political ambitions, particularly in 2031.