Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has outlined reasons for his decision not to support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, pointing to widening political differences within the Peoples Democratic Party.
The governor spoke during a media interaction on Tuesday in Ibadan, where he also reflected on his early professional journey. Makinde recalled that at the age of 29, he secured a major contract with oil company Mobil valued at about one million dollars, a milestone he said played a significant role in shaping his business and political career.
He noted that the deal came at a time when the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, was likely just completing law school, describing the contract as a turning point in his rise.
Addressing his political disagreements with Wike, Makinde said tensions became evident during a meeting involving Wike, President Tinubu, the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, and other officials. According to Makinde, Wike informed the President that he would “hold the PDP” for him ahead of the 2027 elections, a statement the Oyo governor said took him by surprise.
Makinde said the President did not request such a commitment and that Wike volunteered it on his own. While acknowledging Wike’s right to support Tinubu, Makinde stressed that party members who are concerned about the future of the PDP and Nigeria’s multiparty system should also be free to make independent choices.
He added that attempts to engage Wike on the matter did not lead to any change, prompting him to adopt a clear position. Makinde said he made it known that he would not be part of any arrangement aimed at aligning the PDP with the President’s re-election bid.
The governor’s remarks underscore growing divisions within the PDP, with two main blocs emerging. One faction, associated with Wike, is perceived to be supportive of President Tinubu, while another group led by Makinde is pushing for party independence and the protection of multiparty democracy ahead of the 2027 general elections.
