Follow us for more on
2027: Wike promised to hold PDP for Tinubu, Makinde alleges
Makinde Breaks Silence on Rift With Wike, Says Minister Offered to “Hold PDP” for Tinubu’s 2027 Re-election
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has publicly explained the reason behind his fallout with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, revealing that their disagreement stemmed from Wike’s alleged declaration to support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027 by “holding down” the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Speaking during a media chat in Ibadan on Tuesday, Makinde said the relationship collapsed after what he described as a “shocking” statement made by Wike during a meeting with President Tinubu, a declaration he stressed was neither requested nor endorsed by the President.
Background of the G-5 Alliance
Makinde and Wike were both key members of the influential G-5 governors, a bloc that opposed the PDP’s choice of Atiku Abubakar as its 2023 presidential candidate and Iyorchia Ayu as national chairman, citing concerns that both positions were occupied by politicians from the North.
According to Makinde, the turning point came during a meeting attended by President Tinubu, Wike, the President’s Chief of Staff, and two others, where Wike allegedly pledged to weaken the PDP ahead of the 2027 elections.
Makinde recalled, “Wike said to the President, ‘I will hold the PDP for you against 2027.’ I was in shock. When we stepped out, I asked him if that was what we agreed on.”
Makinde’s Stand on Democracy and Party Survival
The Oyo governor said while Wike had the right to support Tinubu, he equally had the right to oppose any move that could undermine opposition politics and push Nigeria toward a one-party system.
He stated, “Some of us want to ensure that democracy survives and that we don’t drift into a one-party state. We also want the PDP to survive. He should allow us to do our own thing.”
Makinde added that efforts were made to persuade Wike to reconsider his stance, but the minister remained adamant. He also claimed that President Tinubu did not instruct Wike to make such a pledge.
Wike’s Aide Fires Back
Reacting to Makinde’s comments, Wike’s media aide, Lere Olayinka, criticised the governor, accusing him of political selfishness and lack of loyalty to both individuals and political parties.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Olayinka alleged that Makinde’s political moves were driven solely by personal ambition, outlining what he described as a pattern of party-switching whenever the governor failed to secure tickets in the past.
He further accused Makinde of working against Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke during the 2022 governorship election to remain the only PDP governor in the South-West at the time.
Makinde Rejects One-Party State, Regrets 2023 Support for Tinubu
Makinde, however, doubled down on his position, warning that weakening opposition parties could trigger mass unrest and threaten national stability.
He cautioned, “If you move the country towards a one-party state, what happens when you need a bipartisan approach? Once people don’t have leadership, they will find leadership by all means.”
The governor openly declared that he would not support President Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election and expressed regret over backing him in 2023.
“I regret supporting Tinubu in the 2023 election. I am not above mistakes,” Makinde admitted.
On Defections, PDP Crisis, and Presidential Ambition
Makinde dismissed recent defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), arguing that political realignments do not address the hardship faced by Nigerians.
“When they say governors have defected, I am not bothered. Where is hunger and anger in the land? Has it defected?” he asked.
On the PDP leadership crisis, Makinde accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of acting in a one-sided manner, insisting that the party’s convention held in Ibadan was lawful and valid.
Addressing speculation about his presidential ambition, Makinde said he was qualified to aspire to the nation’s highest office, citing his two-term governorship and professional background in the oil and gas sector.
Local Government Autonomy and Governance Legacy
Makinde also accused the Federal Government of “double speak” on local government autonomy, stressing that political dialogue was necessary to implement the Supreme Court judgment effectively.
He concluded by stating that his administration aimed to build strong institutions rather than focus solely on physical infrastructure, adding that lasting development depends on systems that endure beyond individual tenures.
For more in-depth political analysis, breaking news, and exclusive reports, visit www.cjsoftflix.com and stay informed on Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.
Comment Section