Oyo Gov Makinde Fires Fresh Shots At Wike: “He Had Just Left Law School When I Made My $1m”
- Oyo state governor Seyi Makinde refuses to support President Tinubu’s 2027 re-election, citing political divergence within the PDP
- Makinde links his entrepreneurial experience to his confidence in political decision-making and party autonomy
- Makinde also spoke about the growing factions within the PDP and how it is deepening rifts as the 2027 elections approach
Oyo state Governor, Seyi Makinde, has revealed why he will not support President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid, highlighting a growing political divergence within the Peoples Democratic Party.
Speaking during a media chat on Tuesday in Ibadan, the state capital, Makinde reflected on his early career, recalling that at the age of 29, he secured his first major contract with Mobil worth $1 million.
Source: Facebook
The governor stated that at a time when the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, had probably just left law school.
According to Makinde, the deal marked the turning point that shaped his journey in business and later politics.
“Within one year, I made $1 million in my pocket. I was 29 in 1997. Wike, perhaps at that time, had just left law school, and his next job was as a local government chairman,” Makinde said.
Makinde links experience to political confidence
Makinde described the contract as a foundation for his independence and confidence in political decision-making, stressing that his positions are driven by conviction rather than political pressure.
He suggested that his background as an entrepreneur continues to influence his approach to governance and party politics.
Rift with Wike traced to meeting with Tinubu
The Oyo governor disclosed that his political differences with Wike became pronounced during a meeting involving President Tinubu, the President’s Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, and other senior officials.
Makinde said he was taken aback when Wike reportedly told the President that he would “hold the PDP” for him ahead of the 2027 elections.
“The President did not ask him to do this; he volunteered. Wike is within his rights to support Tinubu, but those of us who want to ensure the survival of multiparty democracy and the PDP should also be allowed to make our own decisions,” he stated.
Makinde rules out backing Tinubu in 2027
Despite attempts to engage Wike on the matter, Makinde said the situation did not change, forcing him to take a firm position on the 2027 elections.
“I told him from that day that I would never be a part of this. Wike can support him, and that is within his right, but it is equally my right to decide who I will support and what role I will play in 2027,” the governor said.
PDP divisions deepen ahead of 2027
Makinde’s comments further highlight growing cracks within the PDP, with two distinct factions now emerging ahead of the next general elections.
Source: Getty Images
One faction, led by Wike, is perceived to be aligned with President Tinubu, while the other, spearheaded by Makinde, is pushing for party autonomy and the protection of Nigeria’s multiparty democracy.
The unfolding rift underscores mounting tensions within the opposition party as political realignments intensify ahead of 2027.
Source: Legit.ng
