By; Mohammed Kawu, Bauchi
People’s Democratic Party – PDP Governors Forum Chairman and Deputy, Governor Bala Mohammed and Governor Oluseyi Makinde have part-ways on the issue of reconciling the two factions of the party.
The forum deputy chairman, Governor Seyi Makinde was of the view that to reconcile the party’s two factions means supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second term bid comes 2027 general elections.
Engr. Oluseyi Makinde fired the irreconcilable salvo Sunday in Bauchi when he paid a Sallah homage to his state counterpart and chairman of the PDP Governors Forum, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed
Governor Makinde recalled, “I came in a public domain to say that, I was once in a meeting with Mr. Wike and President Tinubu, and they promised to hold PDP for Mr. President towards 2027”.
Makinde who vowed that there will no reconciliation between the two warring factions of the party, stated “So anyone dealing with Mr. Wike and his group under any guys, what it means is that, you have agreed to support President Tinubu for 2027 polls”.
“We leave it for Nigerians to judge. If it can be in their camp where they promised that they are supporting the President. We are not begrudging them, you can support whoever you like to support, but go to them if you want to support them”.
“So that is our position. They have the government behind them, they have the judiciary behind them, they have INEC behind them, but we have the people behind us”, Makinde said.
Governor Makinde puts it this, “We are here this afternoon to pay our Sallah homage to our brother. From all of us, especially the government and good people of Oye State, we want to say to you and the good people of Bauchi State. Barka da Sallah”.
Makinde, whose entourage included the Bayelsa state former governor, Senator Dickson representing Bayelsa West, said “We are also mindful of the challenges you are going through, both personally and as a state in terms of persecution”.
“It is for these reasons we come to identify with you and the people of Bauchi state to say that we encourage you, you face challenges, that is a price of leadership, but like I always say anytime that you see that people are not happy that may endure for a night, joy surely comes in the morning”
“Our prayer, especially in this sacred season following the 30 days of sacrifice and devotion, is that your sacrifices—and those of the people will not be in vain. May this period usher in renewed strength, peace, and lasting joy for you and the entire people of Bauchi state”, Makinde stated.
The host, Governor Bala Mohammed said however that reconciliation is not something they have called for, but rather something that has been midwifed by a competent court of jurisdiction
“In addition reconciliation is not something that we have called for it, it is something that has been midwifed as a solution by competent court of jurisdiction”, the governor argued.
Mohammed explained that they were law-abiding citizens who believe in the rule of law, hence the issue of reconstruction is Governor Oluseyi Makinde’s personal opinion
Governor Bala Mohammed said that he hold the believe that there is no irreconcilable issue in Nigeria, especially in the political or national space.
He said, We are law-abiding and we believe in the rule of law, and so that opinion by my brother is his opinion, but certainly we believe that there is no irresponsible issue in Nigeria, especially in the political or national space”.
Governor Bala’s view on reconciliation of their party’s two warring factions, it was learnt, might not be unconnected with his ongoing defection talks with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, ahead of the 2027 polls.
Mohammed told Makinde, “Any where you see somebody like you who represents opposition or symbolizes the opposition today always happy, it is both encouraging and reassuring. Almost me and you that a in PDP when we started 13 – fourteen of us”.
“Let me also say to our people that Seyi Makinde is truly a patriot—somebody who believes strongly in the Nigerian project and has consistently supported me. As a member of the PDP Governors’ Forum, he has made, and continues to make, meaningful contributions to the party and to the growth and development of our country”.
Governor Bala stated that he deeply admired Oluseyi Makinde’s determination, his focus, and courage, stressing “I see in him an uncommon politician, one who is willing to break barriers, confront challenges directly, and speak his mind with sincerity”.
“Your Excellency, your solidarity, both privately and publicly—especially in these challenging times, means a great deal to me. I sincerely appreciate it. This is who we are; this is what we stand for. We have always faced challenges. In my own journey, I have often operated from the opposition, and with humility, I acknowledge that God has always granted us victory. We do not take this for granted”, he concluded.
