Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has cautioned the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, against attempting to influence the political decisions of others, declaring clearly that he will not support President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.
Makinde made this known on Tuesday during a media interaction in Ibadan, where he stressed that political allegiance remains a personal decision and should not be imposed. The governor noted that while Wike is free to take his own position ahead of the next general election, he does not share the same stance.
Recalling a past engagement involving himself, President Tinubu, Wike, and other political figures, Makinde said he was taken aback by Wike’s declaration during the meeting. According to the Oyo governor, the former Rivers State governor openly offered to “hold the PDP” for Tinubu ahead of the 2027 contest, a statement he said left him stunned.
“I was in a meeting with President Tinubu, Nyesom Wike, and others when Wike volunteered to hold the PDP for Tinubu against 2027, and I was in shock,” Makinde said. “Wike can support the president in 2027, but I will not.”
Makinde further urged Wike to “allow us to make our choice,” adding that his immediate priority is to ensure that “PDP survives” as a viable political platform.
Both Makinde and Wike are members of the Peoples Democratic Party and were among the influential bloc known as the G5 during the 2023 general election. The group, which included former governors Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu, Samuel Ortom of Benue, Makinde of Oyo, and Wike of Rivers, backed Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress at the time.
Their decision was rooted in their opposition to the continued stay of the then PDP National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu, who refused to step down despite calls for a southerner to assume the position, given that Atiku Abubakar, the party’s presidential candidate, also hailed from the North.
Following Tinubu’s victory, however, relations between Makinde and Wike deteriorated. The PDP later held a convention in Oyo State, where Wike and other prominent party members, including former Ekiti State governor Ayodele Fayose, were suspended.
The faction aligned with Makinde accused Wike of engaging in anti-party activities, allegations the former Rivers governor and his allies have rejected. Despite his suspension, Wike has maintained that he remains a PDP member and has consistently reaffirmed his intention to support Tinubu in the next presidential election.
What you should know
The disagreement between Governor Seyi Makinde and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike highlights deepening internal tensions within the Peoples Democratic Party following the 2023 elections.
While both politicians previously worked together under the G5 arrangement that backed President Bola Tinubu, their alliance has fractured over future political direction and party loyalty. Makinde’s stance underscores a growing resistance within the PDP to Wike’s open alignment with the ruling APC.
The episode also reflects broader struggles within the opposition party over unity, leadership, and relevance ahead of the 2027 general election.
