IBADAN – Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has openly explained why he will not back President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid, underscoring mounting political divisions within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
During a media briefing on Tuesday in Ibadan, the state capital, Makinde recounted a significant milestone from his early career. He disclosed that at age 29, he secured his first major contract with Mobil worth $1 million, a feat achieved at a time when the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, had reportedly just graduated from law school. The governor described this deal as a defining moment that propelled his success in both business and politics.
Addressing his political differences with Wike, Makinde revealed tensions arose during a high-level meeting that included Wike, President Tinubu, the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, and other top officials. Makinde said Wike confidently told the President he would “hold the PDP” for him ahead of the 2027 elections—an assertion that took him by surprise.
“The President did not ask him to do this; he volunteered. Wike is within his rights to support Tinubu, but those of us committed to safeguarding multiparty democracy and the PDP must also be free to make our own choices,” Makinde stated.
Despite multiple efforts to engage with Wike, Makinde noted the situation remained unchanged, compelling him to take a firm stance. “From that day, I made it clear that I would not be part of this. Wike can support the President if he wishes, but I equally reserve the right to decide whom I will support and what role I will play in 2027,” he added.
Makinde’s remarks highlight deepening factionalism within the PDP, with two camps emerging ahead of the 2027 elections. One, led by Wike, appears aligned with President Tinubu, while the other, championed by Makinde, advocates for party autonomy and the preservation of Nigeria’s multiparty democratic framework.
