Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde has explained his reasons for not supporting President Bola Tinubu’s bid for re-election in 2027, pointing to a widening political split within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
During a media discussion on Tuesday in Ibadan, the state capital, Gov. Makinde reminisced about his early career, noting that he landed his first significant contract with Mobil at the age of 29, valued at $1 million.
He remarked that this achievement occurred when the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, was likely just finishing law school.
Gov. Makinde characterized this contract as a crucial turning point that influenced his advancement in both business and politics.
Regarding his political disagreements with Wike, the governor mentioned that tensions arose during a meeting involving Wike, Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, and other officials.
He recounted that Wike informed the president he would “hold the PDP” for him in the lead-up to the 2027 elections, a statement that took Gov. Makinde by surprise.
“The president did not request this; Wike offered it voluntarily. While Wike has the right to support Tinubu, those of us who wish to uphold multi-party democracy and the PDP should also have the freedom to make our own choices,” Gov. Makinde stated.
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Despite attempts to engage with Wike, Gov. Makinde indicated that the situation did not improve, leading him to take a definitive position.
“I told him from that moment that I would not be part of this. Wike can support him, which is his prerogative, but it is also my right to choose who I will support and what role I will play in 2027,” he added.
Gov. Makinde’s remarks underscore the increasing rift within the PDP, with two main factions emerging.
One faction, led by Wike, appears to align with Tinubu, while the other, headed by Gov. Makinde, champions party independence and the maintenance of multi-party democracy as the 2027 elections approach.
