Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has openly distanced himself from any plan to support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, deepening the growing cracks within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Makinde made his position clear on Tuesday during a media chat in Ibadan, declaring that while Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, is free to back Tinubu, he has no intention of following that path.
The Oyo governor said Wike does not have the authority to impose political choices on others, stressing that individual ambitions and party loyalty must be respected.
“Wike has the right to support whoever he wants, but he cannot decide for others,” Makinde said.
His comments come amid rising tension within the PDP, following Wike’s open alignment with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) government and his frequent meetings with President Tinubu.
Makinde revealed that his major disagreement with Wike stemmed from discussions where the former Rivers governor allegedly insisted he would deliver the PDP structure to Tinubu in 2027.
According to the Oyo governor, such a position undermines the opposition party’s credibility and weakens its chances ahead of the next general election.
Makinde also took a subtle swipe at Wike’s political background, suggesting that leadership experience and political growth should not be used as tools of intimidation or control within the party.