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Wike had just left law school when I made $1m – Makinde
Seyi Makinde Explains Why He Won’t Support Tinubu’s 2027 Re-Election Bid
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has revealed the reasons behind his refusal to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, citing deepening political differences and internal divisions within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Makinde made the disclosure during a media chat held on Tuesday in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, where he also reflected on his early professional journey and how it shaped his worldview in business and politics.
Makinde Reflects on Early Career Success
The governor recalled that at the age of 29, he secured his first major breakthrough after landing a contract with Mobil valued at $1 million. According to him, the deal marked a turning point in his life and laid the foundation for his rise in both business and public service.
Makinde noted that at the time of his business success in 1997, Nyesom Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, had likely just completed law school before moving on to his political career as a local government chairman.
“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.
Political Rift With Wike Explained
Addressing his political disagreement with Wike, Makinde said tensions became evident during a meeting involving himself, Wike, President Tinubu, the President’s Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, and other top government officials.
According to the governor, Wike openly told the President that he would “hold the PDP” for him ahead of the 2027 general elections — a statement Makinde described as shocking and unsolicited.
Makinde Stresses Party Autonomy
Makinde emphasized that President Tinubu did not request Wike’s support for such a move, noting that the FCT minister volunteered the statement on his own. While acknowledging Wike’s right to support Tinubu, Makinde insisted that other PDP leaders must also be allowed to make independent political choices.
“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 stated.
Despite attempts to engage Wike privately and resolve their differences, the Oyo State governor said the situation remained unchanged, forcing him to take a definitive stand ahead of the 2027 elections.
Firm Decision Ahead of 2027 Elections
Makinde made it clear that he would not align himself with any arrangement he believes could weaken the PDP or undermine Nigeria’s multiparty democratic system.
“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,” he added.
PDP Factions Take Shape
The governor’s comments underscore the growing divisions within the PDP, with two major factions now clearly emerging ahead of the 2027 polls:
- The Wike-led faction, perceived to be aligning with President Tinubu
- The Makinde-led faction, pushing for party independence and the protection of multiparty democracy
As political alignments continue to shift, the unfolding PDP crisis is expected to play a significant role in shaping Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of the next general elections.
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