Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has explained why he will not support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, citing deepening political differences within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Makinde made the disclosure during a media chat on Tuesday in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, where he reflected on his early career and political journey.

The governor recalled that at the age of 29, he secured his first major contract with oil giant Mobil, valued at $1 million, describing the deal 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.

He said his comments were in response to recent political developments involving the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, particularly concerning the 2027 general elections.

On his rift with Wike, Makinde disclosed that tensions became evident during a meeting attended by President Tinubu, Wike, the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, and other officials.
According to him, Wike told the President that he would “hold the PDP” for him ahead of the 2027 elections, a statement Makinde said shocked him.

“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,” he said.

Makinde noted that despite efforts to engage Wike on the issue, the situation remained unchanged, prompting him to take a firm position.

“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.

The governor’s remarks underscore the growing divisions within the PDP, with two major factions emerging ahead of the 2027 elections. One faction, aligned with Wike, is perceived as leaning towards President Tinubu, while the other, led by Makinde, insists on party independence and the preservation of multiparty democracy.