Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has accused FCT Minister Nyesom Wike of pledging to weaken the Peoples Democratic Party for President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections. Makinde also declared he would not support Tinubu’s re-election bid, citing threats to Nigeria’s multiparty democracy.
Speaking during a live media interaction at the Government House in Ibadan, Makinde said he was present at a meeting involving President Tinubu, Wike and other senior officials where Wike allegedly volunteered to “hold the PDP” for the president. Makinde stressed that Tinubu did not request such a commitment and described Wike’s comment as shocking and unsolicited.
According to the Oyo governor, he immediately challenged Wike after the meeting, insisting that there was no agreement for anyone to undermine the PDP. He said while Wike is free to align politically with Tinubu, he has no right to impose that choice on others within the opposition party.
Makinde warned that deliberate efforts to weaken or destroy the PDP could erode Nigeria’s democratic foundations. He urged democrats to resist any attempt to impose a one-party system, arguing that political plurality is essential for accountability and national stability.
The governor said attempts to resolve the disagreement through dialogue failed, forcing him to take what he described as a principled stand. He reiterated that he would not back Tinubu in 2027 and would oppose any strategy aimed at sabotaging the PDP, especially in opposition-controlled states like Oyo.
During the interaction, Makinde also spoke about his political capacity, saying he has the experience and credentials to serve as president if called upon. He pointed to his two-term tenure as governor and his professional background, noting that he achieved financial success in the private sector at a young age. He contrasted his early multinational career with Wike’s legal path, saying he secured a $1 million contract with an oil company at 29, long before entering politics.
Beyond national politics, Makinde defended his administration’s policies, including the Ibadan Circular Road project. He dismissed allegations of land grabbing, explaining that the project corridor was legally gazetted before he assumed office. He said the road is designed to ease congestion, drive industrial growth and reposition Oyo’s economy.
Makinde said his administration prioritises building strong institutions over short-term handouts, adding that fair compensation is being offered to affected residents, including those without formal land titles.
