Seyi Makinde, governor of Oyo, says he will not support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, citing concerns about Nigeria’s democratic future.
Makinde said his position stems from disagreements within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), particularly involving Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT).
The governor spoke on Tuesday during a media chat at the Government House in Ibadan.
Background to the G5 Alliance
Ahead of the 2023 presidential election, Makinde aligned with the G5 governors within the PDP.
The group, led by Wike, refused to support Atiku Abubakar’s presidential bid.
They argued that the party’s presidential candidate and national chairman should not emerge from the same region.
Despite PDP divisions, Bola Tinubu, candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), won the presidential election in Oyo State.
However, relations between Makinde and Wike later deteriorated.
‘Wike Promised to Hold PDP for Tinubu’
Makinde said the rift deepened after Wike made a political commitment without consulting key party stakeholders.
“I was in a meeting with the President and Wike and a few others, and Wike said to the President that I will hold PDP for you against 2027; I was in shock,” Makinde said.
“So, we got up, and I asked Wike, did we agree to this?”
Makinde said Wike volunteered the pledge without any request from President Tinubu.
“The President did not ask him to do this. He volunteered it himself,” the governor added.
Defending Multi-Party Democracy
Makinde said Wike has the right to support Tinubu, but others must be free to protect the PDP.
“If Wike wants to support the President in 2027, that is his right,” he said.
“But those of us who want democracy to survive do not want a one-party state.”
He said efforts to persuade Wike to reconsider failed, forcing him to take a firm stance.
“After he refused to back off, I told him I would never be part of this,” Makinde said.
Makinde Rules Out 2027 Backing
The Oyo governor said his refusal to support Tinubu reflects his right to independent political choice.
“That is why I will never support the President for 2027,” he said.
“Wike can support him, but I will decide my own political path.”
Makinde stressed that internal party disagreements must not undermine Nigeria’s democratic structure.
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