Exodus rocks Oyo chapter of PDP as loyalists wait for Makinde's next move

A mass resignation occurred on Thursday within the Tanimu Turaki-led faction of the Oyo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, as numerous aspirants vying for elective positions in the 2027 general elections abandoned the party.

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This development comes as supporters of Governor Seyi Makinde await his guidance on the party's direction for the 2027 elections, with the governor having promised to reveal his preferred successor on May 8.

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The announcement is expected to precede the May 10 deadline for submitting digital registers of political parties in preparation for primaries and the 2027 general election, with a former commissioner for finance, Bimbo Adekanmbi, potentially being named as the governor's preferred candidate.

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Rumors suggest that Governor Makinde may instruct his loyalists to join the Allied Peoples Movement en masse due to the ongoing crisis within the PDP, with sources indicating that some resigning members are considering joining either the APM or the Nigeria Democratic Congress.

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As of the latest update, notable figures who have tendered their resignations include Abass Adigun, Fatai Owoseni, Adebayo Adepoju, Stanley Olajide, Temitope Oladimeji, Shina Oyedeji, Akeem Olatunji, and Olufemi Ajadi, among others, citing the party's internal conflicts as the reason for their departure.

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Adebayo Adepoju stated that he is leaving the party because of the leadership crisis, while Akeem Olatunji attributed his decision to the disagreement among the party's national leadership in a resignation letter dated May 5, 2026.

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Olatunji expressed gratitude to the party's leadership at all levels for the opportunity to serve, specifically thanking the state chairman, Dayo Ogungbenro, and vice chairman, Wasiu Adeleke, as well as Seye Famojuro, whom he described as his political benefactor.

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Olufemi Ajadi, a governorship aspirant, also resigned from the party, citing the need to pursue his ambition on another platform due to the unresolved crisis at the national level, as stated in his resignation letter dated May 6, 2026.

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Ajadi's letter, addressed to the state chairman, explained that his decision followed extensive consultations and careful reflection on his political future and ideological direction, with the letter being routed through the PDP Ward Chairman of Ward 8, Osengere.

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None of the resigning members disclosed their next political destinations in their letters, but sources close to the politicians indicated that consultations are ongoing with associates and stakeholders across different platforms.

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The development is expected to generate significant reactions within the Oyo State political landscape, particularly among PDP loyalists and opposition blocs monitoring emerging alliances ahead of future elections.

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The PDP is currently divided between the bloc loyal to Minister Nyesom Wike and the Turaki-led Interim National Working Committee, loyal to Governor Makinde, with both factions claiming leadership of the party.