Some bigwigs in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, have thrown their weight behind Gov Seyi Makinde of Oyo State to be the party’s presidential candidate in 2027.

These moves signify a cooling of relations with former Vice President and PDP’s 2023 presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, whom some party leaders still blame for missing a prime opportunity to reclaim power in the last election.

According to party insiders who spoke with Punch on condition of anonymity, disappointment lingers over Atiku’s handling of the 2023 campaign.

They believe his failure to address the concerns of the G5 Governors—five influential PDP governors who demanded the resignation of the then-party National Chairman Iyorchia Ayu, cost the party significantly.

Despite calls for unity, many leaders say they have not fully reconciled with Atiku, suggesting his influence may be waning.