- Reaffirming his stance, Makinde declared that President Tinubu would not enjoy his support in 2027
- Wike’s refusal to withdraw or clarify his position on supporting Tinubu in 2027 forced him to take a firm stand in defence of the party
- According to the governor, the controversial statement by Wike was made during a meeting attended by President Tinubu and other top officials
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has revealed that his fallout with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, stemmed from the latter’s unilateral pledge to allegedly “hold down” the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in favour of President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general election.
Eko Hot Blog reports that Makinde made the disclosure during a media interaction at the Government House in Ibadan, where he spoke extensively on party politics, past alliances, and his decision not to support Tinubu’s re-election bid.
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According to the governor, the controversial statement by Wike was made during a meeting attended by President Tinubu and other top officials, without the consent or prior discussion with PDP stakeholders.
Makinde said he was taken aback by the comment and immediately distanced himself from such a position, insisting that no individual had the right to mortgage the future of the opposition party.
Makinde also openly expressed regret over his decision to back Tinubu during the 2023 presidential election, admitting that the outcome failed to meet his expectations. He noted that his support at the time was driven by the belief that Tinubu would prioritise national unity and good governance above partisan interests.
The Oyo governor was a prominent member of the G5 PDP governors who worked against the party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, following internal disagreements over the choice of running mate. That alliance, according to Makinde, has since collapsed due to irreconcilable differences, particularly on the future of the PDP.
He explained that Wike’s refusal to withdraw or clarify his position on supporting Tinubu in 2027 forced him to take a firm stand in defence of the party and democratic pluralism.
While acknowledging Wike’s right to political choice, Makinde stressed that other PDP leaders equally reserve the right to resist actions capable of weakening opposition politics in Nigeria.
Makinde further disclosed details of his interactions with President Tinubu after the 2023 elections, including discussions around ministerial nominations and the upgrade of the Ibadan Airport.
He said although he nominated a qualified Oyo indigene for ministerial consideration at the president’s request, the final appointment did not align with earlier conversations.
The governor added that he later turned down Tinubu’s request to help organise the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, citing loyalty to the PDP and his political principles.
Reaffirming his stance, Makinde declared that President Tinubu would not enjoy his support in 2027, maintaining that his priority remains the survival of democracy and the strengthening of the opposition party.
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