The political landscape of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State appears to be undergoing a fresh realignment following the gradual exit of allies and loyalists of Governor Seyi Makinde from the party to the Allied Peoples Movement (APM).
Investigations by WesternLifeNewsNG revealed that the development has opened the door for the reintegration and strengthening of the Supreme Court-backed faction of the PDP in the state under the leadership of former Deputy Governor, Azeem Gbolarumi.
Political observers within the party say the current situation may mark a turning point for members who had long complained of marginalisation under the Governor Makinde-led structure of the party. The renewed momentum followed the lingering effects of the leadership crisis at the national level of the PDP, which culminated in a Supreme Court judgment that invalidated the national convention associated with the Makinde-backed Turaki faction. The judgment subsequently strengthened the position of the Abdulrahman Mohammed-led camp, reportedly backed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
In Oyo State, the Abdulrahman Mohammed tendency is being coordinated by Barrister Gbolarumi, who has continued to maintain the structure of the party despite intense internal disagreements that characterised the PDP in recent years.
Sources within the party disclosed that many members who were allegedly sidelined in the distribution of political appointments and opportunities under Governor Makinde have now resolved to remain within the PDP fold under Gbolarumi’s leadership rather than defect alongside the governor’s loyalists.
According to party insiders, several aggrieved stakeholders believe the current political reality presents an opportunity to rebuild the PDP on what they described as “a more inclusive foundation.”
“The feeling among many members is that the PDP in Oyo had become dominated by a small circle loyal to the governor. Those who were denied relevance despite years of loyalty are now regrouping under the Gbolarumi structure,” a party source said.
The source added that the directive allegedly issued by Governor Makinde to his allies and intending aspirants to align with the APM has further emboldened those who chose to stay back in the PDP.
Analysts believe the development may significantly reshape opposition politics ahead of the 2027 general elections in Oyo State, particularly as fresh alignments and alliances continue to emerge across political parties.
There are also indications that leaders of the Abdulrahman Mohammed faction are already intensifying consultations across local government areas to consolidate their hold on the PDP structure in the state.
For many loyalists of the Gbolarumi camp, the exit of Makinde’s political associates is seen not as a setback but as an opportunity to reposition the PDP and reclaim what they describe as the “original identity” of the party in Oyo State.
While the governor’s camp has yet to officially react to the growing claims, political watchers say the coming months will determine whether the PDP can truly rebound from its prolonged internal crisis or face deeper fragmentation ahead of another electoral cycle.
