Governor Seyi Makinde Faces Political Uncertainty as Term Nears End Amid Factional Shifts and Policy Disputes

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde struggles with PDP factionalism, land acquisition protests, and traditional law controversies as his term enters its final phase.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 13, 2026, 7:41 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Business Hallmark

A Fragile Political Standalone

Governor Seyi Makinde finds himself in an increasingly isolated position compared to his former "G5" colleagues. While other members of the group have secured prominent roles or diplomatic appointments under the President Bola Tinubu administration, Makinde’s future remains unclear. Analysts suggest his "inconsistency" during the 2023 elections has left him without a solid footing in the national PDP structure, which is now increasingly influenced by a faction recognized by the courts and led by Nyesom Wike.

Erosion of Party Control

Once confident in his ability to anoint a successor, Makinde’s influence within the Oyo State PDP appears to be waning. The Governor recently announced that the governorship race in the state is "free for all," a move seen as an admission that he no longer holds absolute sway over the party’s machinery. Consequently, some aspirants have begun distancing themselves from the Governor, omitting his image from their campaign materials. This internal division has prompted high-profile allies, such as radio proprietor Oriyomi Hamzat, to defect to other parties like the Accord Party.

Land Acquisition and "Land Grabbing" Allegations

Makinde’s style of governance has come under fire, particularly regarding infrastructure and urban development. His administration has been accused of "land grabbing" for private developers, with specific focus on the acquisition of a 500-meter setback for a new circular road. Residents in areas like Akinyele and Ajia have staged protests, claiming lack of transparency and insufficient compensation. While the government maintains these projects are for public good—including proposed ICT centers and an Air Force base—opposition parties like the APC and AAC have used these disputes to disparage the administration.