Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has stated that he will not support President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election, even if the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, chooses to do so. Makinde made this known during a media discussion in Ibadan, where he spoke about ongoing political disagreements within the Peoples Democratic Party.
Makinde explained that he was taken aback when Wike openly pledged support for Tinubu and suggested he would help control the PDP in the build-up to the 2027 polls. According to the governor, he made it clear during a meeting involving Tinubu and other political leaders that he could not assist in building or organizing the All Progressives Congress in Oyo State because he remains a committed member of the PDP.
He said while Wike is free to back any candidate of his choice, other party members should also be allowed to make independent decisions without pressure. Makinde noted that his disagreement with Wike began when efforts to resolve the matter through mutual contacts failed, forcing him to directly state his position. He added that this disagreement has contributed to the ongoing tension within the PDP.
Makinde stressed that his main concern is protecting democracy in Nigeria and preventing the country from drifting into a one-party system. He said the survival of the PDP is important to maintaining political balance and healthy competition in the country.
The governor also spoke about governance in Oyo State, saying his administration prefers creating opportunities rather than giving handouts. He explained that programmes like the Sustainable Action for Economic Recovery are designed to support productive activities, such as subsidised transport for students, elderly citizens, and people with disabilities, to help them engage in meaningful economic activities.
Makinde and Wike had both supported Tinubu during the 2023 elections, but recent events have shown a clear divide in their political paths ahead of 2027.