Gov Makinde Finally Uncovers Alleged Reason Wike Refused to Leave PDP
- Oyo state governor Makinde has raised fresh allegations on why FCT minister Nyesom Wike is still in the PDP despite an appointment from Tinubu
- The governor distances himself from Tinubu’s re-election bid due to party independence concerns
- The governor also speaks on the deepening rift in PDP as factions emerge ahead of the 2027 elections
Oyo state Governor Seyi Makinde has spoken out on the alleged reason the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, remained in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) despite an appointment from an APC-led president.
Specifically, the southwest governor said that Wike remained in the embattled PDP with the intention of controlling the party ahead of the 2027 general elections in support of President Bola Tinubu.
Source: Twitter
Makinde made the claim during a media chat on Tuesday, December 23, in Ibadan.
During the interview, he spoke on widening internal divisions within the PDP and explained why he would not back President Tinubu’s re-election bid, Vanguard reported.
Makinde links Wike’s PDP stay to 2027 strategy
According to the Oyo governor, tensions between him and Wike became clearer during a high-level meeting involving President Tinubu, the President’s Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, and other senior officials.
Makinde said he was shocked when Wike allegedly told the President that he would “hold the PDP” for him ahead of the 2027 elections, Daily Trust reported.
“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," Makinde said.
2027: Makinde explains refusal to back Tinubu
Makinde said Wike’s declaration marked a turning point for him and reinforced his decision not to be part of any political arrangement that undermines party independence.
“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 stated.
Makinde reflects on personal and political journey
During the interaction, the governor also reflected on his early career, recalling that he secured a major contract with Mobil worth $1 million at the age of 29, which he described as a defining moment in his rise in business and 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.
PDP factions emerge ahead of 2027
Source: Getty Images
Makinde’s comments underscore the deepening rift within the PDP, with two major factions now taking shape ahead of the 2027 elections.
One bloc, led by Wike, is widely perceived as aligning with President Tinubu, while the other, championed by Makinde, insists on party autonomy and the preservation of Nigeria’s multiparty democracy.
The growing divide signals an intensifying struggle for control within the opposition party as political realignments gather momentum ahead of the next general elections.
Adeyanju slams Makinde
Speaking with Legit.ng on Sunday, December 27, Deji Adeyanju, a human rights activist and lawyer, said:
"My take is that Seyi Makinde is working with Tinubu for second term. Only naive people who don’t understand politics will fall for his tricks. My opinion is that he wants to take over the structure of PDP from Wike so that he can enjoy the perks Wike is currently enjoying in 2027. Everyone who is serious about opposing Tinubu should be in ADC by now not trying to divide opposition votes like they foolishly did in 2023."
Oyo gov Makinde fires shots at Wike
Previously, Legit.ng reported that 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: Legit.ng
