Former Governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, has accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of fueling the ongoing crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), alleging that the Presidency is actively working to weaken the opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

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Oyinlola, a prominent PDP chieftain and former military administrator, reportedly said the persistent internal wrangling within the PDP was not accidental but the outcome of a deliberate political strategy orchestrated from the highest levels of government. According to him, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is exploiting the party’s internal vulnerabilities to sow discord and destabilize its national leadership.

He claimed that several recent disputes involving PDP national officers, state chapters, and influential blocs bore “clear fingerprints” of external interference. “The crisis you’re seeing in the PDP today is not entirely from within,” Oyinlola was quoted as saying. “There are forces outside—especially from the Presidency—working tirelessly to ensure the opposition remains divided and ineffective.”

The former governor stated that President Tinubu, known for his political network and tactical approach, has long been interested in ensuring that the opposition remains fragmented. He argued that the APC government has leveraged both political and institutional influence to create parallel structures, fuel leadership conflicts, and encourage defections from the PDP.

Oyinlola noted that the internal disagreements within the PDP—such as the unresolved leadership disputes, factional congresses, and legal battles—have intensified in recent months, particularly as political actors begin aligning themselves for the 2027 elections. He insisted that much of the conflict was being amplified by external actors seeking to weaken the PDP’s capacity to challenge the ruling party.

He also warned party stakeholders to resist being manipulated by outside interests, calling for unity and vigilance as the party works toward rebuilding its national cohesion. “We must not allow external forces to determine our future. The PDP must wake up, reorganize itself, and avoid falling into traps set by those who fear a strong opposition,” he said.

The Presidency and the APC have not responded to Oyinlola’s accusations as of the time of this report. However, allies of President Tinubu have previously dismissed similar claims, arguing that the internal troubles of the PDP stem from longstanding structural issues, not external interference.

Political analysts note that Oyinlola’s remarks reflect growing fears within the PDP about its stability ahead of the next election cycle. With several high-stakes battles looming—including the fight for control of strategic state chapters, the contest for national leadership positions, and the search for a viable presidential candidate—many believe the party risks further fragmentation if urgent reconciliation efforts are not made.

As the PDP prepares for upcoming conventions and strategy meetings, Oyinlola’s comments are expected to heighten internal scrutiny and spark more debate about the root causes of the party’s deepening crisis.