Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has explained why he will not support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, pointing to widening political differences within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Makinde spoke during a media chat on Tuesday in Ibadan, where he reflected on his early career and rise in business and politics. He disclosed that at the age of 29, he secured a major breakthrough in 1997 after winning a $1 million contract with Mobil, describing the deal as a defining moment in his life.
According to the governor, the achievement came at a time when the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, had probably just completed law school. He noted that Wike’s next role after law school was as a local government chairman.
Makinde said his political differences with Wike became more pronounced during a meeting attended by President Tinubu, the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, and other top government officials. He revealed that Wike told the President he would “hold the PDP” for him ahead of the 2027 general elections, a statement that left him shocked.
He stressed that the President did not instruct Wike to make such a pledge and that the statement was volunteered. While acknowledging Wike’s right to support Tinubu, Makinde said other PDP members who are committed to the survival of the party and multiparty democracy should also be allowed to make independent political choices.
The governor said attempts to resolve the disagreement with Wike did not yield results, prompting him to take a firm stance. He maintained that while Wike is free to support Tinubu, he also has the right to decide who he will support and the role he will play in the 2027 elections.
Makinde’s remarks further underscore the deepening divisions within the PDP, with one faction led by Wike perceived to be leaning towards President Tinubu, while another faction led by Makinde insists on party autonomy ahead of the next general elections.
