Makinde PDP bloc dismisses impeachment rumour as Oyo Assembly resumes

The South-West leadership of the Tanimu Turaki-led Peoples Democratic Party, loyal to Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, on Monday dispelled speculation surrounding an alleged impeachment plot against the governor, insisting that no such process exists.

Its Zonal Secretary, Sanya Atofarati, who disclosed this during a press briefing held at the party’s zonal headquarters, Adagunodo House in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, described the claims as baseless and a deliberate attempt to stir political tension.

“The reports are baseless and contrived. They formed part of a calculated attempt to generate unnecessary political tension,” Atofarati said.

The alleged impeachment plot against Makinde gained traction recently, as some members of the state House of Assembly raised concerns over political developments within the state legislature and dissociated themselves from such a plan.

The Speaker, Adebo Ogundoyin, was at the centre of the storm, with claims and counter-claims involving the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashidi Ladoja and the widow of the late Governor Abiola Ajimobi and Ambassador-designate to Austria, Mrs Florence Ajimobi.

The controversy also followed statements credited to a former governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, claiming that there were plots by the Makinde administration to remove Oba Ladoja.

Fayose, in a post on his X handle, insisted that recent political developments were being misinterpreted as part of a wider plan targeting the monarch.

The Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, in a statement on Sunday, however, said the issue had been resolved amicably.

Speaking on the development, the South-West zonal leadership of the PDP reaffirmed its total support for Makinde and cautioned against attempts to inflame political tension ahead of the 2027 election.

The PDP criticised Fayose over his comments, lamenting that they were harmful to public discourse.

Atofarati described his (Fayose) remarks as “irresponsible and self-serving, capable of inciting tension, particularly through the needless politicisation of revered traditional institutions. Such conduct is unacceptable and stands condemned.”

He further called on Nigerians to remain calm, vigilant and united, warning against “disgruntled political actors” seeking to manufacture crises or destabilise the country in pursuit of selfish political interests.

Atofarati lauded Makinde’s administration for delivering democratic dividends and strengthening institutions of governance.

He said, “Makinde has shown stability, focus, and an unwavering commitment to delivering democratic dividends, while also playing a significant role in sustaining and strengthening multi-party democracy in Nigeria.”

The party emphasised its readiness to offer what it described as a credible and people-driven alternative focused on stability, good governance and national development.

“The South West Zonal Executive Committee unequivocally identifies with and stands firmly behind Governor Makinde, whose leadership continues to exemplify stability, focus, and commitment to the welfare of the people.

“Nigerians must not lose faith in democratic institutions despite present difficulties. PDP remains resolute in its commitment to people-focused governance, stability, and national progress, and stands firmly with citizens confronting hardship and uncertainty,” it added.

The zonal leadership also reaffirmed the party’s loyalty to the National Working Committee under the leadership of Turaki (SAN).

However, the court-recognised South West PDP refuted claims that it endorsed Makinde and Turaki.

In a statement issued on Monday, the PDP South West Zonal Publicity Secretary, Akinloye Oyeniyi, also dismissed reports alleging that the zone condemned Fayose, describing such claims as false and misleading.

Oyeniyi described Atofarati’s briefing as the work of organised impostors who did not represent the party at any level.

“The Zonal Chairman, Engr Deji Doherty, was away in Abuja attending the 108th meeting of the National Executive Committee of our great party, and no zonal officials held any press conference.

“The claim of an Ibadan press conference is therefore a barefaced lie,” it said.

The statement said those behind the Ibadan gathering did not speak for the party, had no mandate, and were not recognised by any organ of the PDP from the ward to the national level.

Oyeniyi further said the group’s illegitimacy was evident, noting that they did not even have a zonal vice chairman, which is a key requirement for any structure claiming to represent the PDP in the South West.

The PDP South West stated that its loyalty to the Abdulrahman-led National Working Committee and to Wike remained unwavering.

The PDP has been entangled in a prolonged internal crisis, with the party divided into factions.

One camp, led by Turaki (SAN), is supported by Governor Makinde, while the opposing faction under Abdulrahman Mohammed enjoys the backing of the FCT Minister, Wike.

Meanwhile, the Oyo State House of Assembly will today (Tuesday) resume plenary after reported impeachment plots.

Since the reported plot against the duo of Makinde and Ogundoyin, the House had suspended its plenary session.

Investigation by our correspondent revealed that the lawmakers had put the past behind them with a resolve to hold the plenary today (Tuesday).

An informed Assembly source, who preferred anonymity, said, “The House will have its plenary tomorrow (Tuesday) to streamline some issues as it affects the state.

“The House has put the issue of impeachment behind it. We are going to concentrate on our constitutional responsibility, which is law-making.”(Punch)