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By Oscar Okhifo
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde has accused the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike of offering the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) platform for President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general election.
Makinde said the remark, which left him shocked, was made during a meeting attended by President Tinubu, Wike and other political stakeholders, adding that while Wike is free to support the president’s re-election bid, he personally would not do so.
He stated this while addressing journalists in Ibadan, the Oyo State Capital.
“I was in a meeting with President Tinubu, Nyesom Wike, and others when Wike volunteered to hold the PDP for Tinubu against 2027, and I was in shock,” Makinde said.
“Wike can support the president in 2027, but I will not.”
The governor stressed that Wike’s position remains a personal decision and should not be interpreted as the stance of the PDP or its elected leaders.
He reaffirmed that the party remains in opposition at the federal level and must be strengthened to present Nigerians with a credible alternative.
Makinde also reiterated his loyalty to the PDP, warning that internal actions capable of weakening the party would not serve the interests of democracy.
He added that while political alignments are inevitable, they must be guided by party ideology and respect for the electorate.
The comments highlight persistent internal tensions within the PDP, particularly over the political alignment of some of its prominent figures with the administration of President Tinubu. Analysts say Makinde’s disclosure could further deepen debates within the party as it repositions itself ahead of the 2027 general election.
As of the time of filing this report, neither Wike nor the Presidency had issued an official response to Makinde’s claims.