Makinde on Wike’s promise to Tinubu
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has revealed a major source of political tension within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), saying that FCT Minister Nyesom Wike once told President Bola Tinubu that he would “hold the PDP” for him ahead of the 2027 general election. The governor said the remark came as a shock to him and has deepened divisions within the opposition party.
Makinde spoke during a media chat in Ibadan, where he explained why he has chosen not to support President Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027. He said the disagreement began at a meeting he attended with Tinubu and Wike, during which Wike reportedly told the president he would “hold PDP for you against 2027” a comment Makinde said was made without consultation with other party stakeholders.
The governor stressed that while Wike has the right to align himself with any political direction he chooses, his unsolicited promise to Tinubu was unacceptable to many within the PDP. Makinde said he confronted Wike after the meeting, asking if the party had agreed to such a commitment and emphasising that no single individual should dictate the party’s stance on the 2027 election.
Makinde has since reaffirmed his loyalty to the PDP and his belief in Nigeria’s multiparty democracy, rejecting the idea of sliding into a one-party state. He urged that all politicians be allowed to make independent choices, and said his priority remains protecting the PDP’s future rather than aligning with the ruling party’s agenda.
The revelation has underscored existing tensions within the PDP, particularly between proponents of cooperation with the ruling party and those advocating for a strong opposition ahead of the 2027 elections. Makinde’s comments have drawn attention to broader debates about party loyalty, democratic choice, and political strategy ahead of Nigeria’s next general election.
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