Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has stated categorically that he will not back President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general election, while maintaining that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, is free to make his own political choice.
Makinde made the declaration on Tuesday during an interaction with journalists in Ibadan, where he addressed lingering tensions within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its future ahead of the next election cycle.
According to the governor, he was taken aback when Wike openly pledged to mobilise the PDP in support of President Tinubu’s re-election bid.
Makinde disclosed that he was present at a meeting involving President Tinubu, Wike and other political figures when the FCT minister reportedly made the offer.
He said Wike’s stance did not reflect his own position, stressing that he had made it clear to the President that he could not work for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) because of his allegiance to the PDP.
The governor emphasised that while Wike has the right to support any candidate of his choice, other party members must also be allowed to decide independently without pressure or coercion.
Makinde noted that his primary concern is the survival of democratic opposition in Nigeria, warning against a drift towards a one-party system.
He explained that efforts to privately resolve the disagreement with Wike were unsuccessful, adding that he eventually confronted him directly and distanced himself from any political arrangement that undermines the PDP.
The governor said the disagreement largely explains the current divisions within the party.
Makinde further reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening the PDP, insisting that internal differences should not be used to weaken the party ahead of future elections.
Shifting attention to governance, the Oyo State governor said his administration would continue to focus on creating economic opportunities rather than distributing cash handouts.
