Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has disclosed details of a political encounter involving the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which he said deepened the rift within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the 2027 general election.
Makinde revealed that Wike openly assured President Tinubu, in his presence, that he would “hold the PDP” for him ahead of the 2027 presidential contest. The governor made this known during a media interaction at the Government House in Ibadan, while explaining why he would not support Tinubu’s re-election bid.
According to Makinde, the statement was made during a meeting attended by key political figures. He said Wike’s remark came as a shock, as there was no prior discussion or agreement among PDP stakeholders about making such a commitment to a president elected on the platform of a rival party.
Makinde explained that he later confronted Wike privately to ask whether the statement was a collective position of the party or a personal decision. He said Wike admitted that there was no prior consultation and that the remark was made independently.
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The Oyo governor stressed that while Wike has the constitutional right to support any candidate of his choice, including President Tinubu, he does not have the authority to commit the entire PDP or undermine its role as an opposition party.
Makinde said his stance is rooted in the need to protect Nigeria’s multiparty democracy, adding that opposition parties must remain strong and independent to ensure accountability and balance in governance.
He further clarified that President Tinubu did not request Wike to make such a pledge, noting that the decision to publicly align with the president was entirely Wike’s personal political choice.
The revelation has once again brought internal divisions within the PDP to the fore, especially as the party grapples with leadership disputes and questions about loyalty among its influential members.
Political observers say the comments highlight a growing ideological and strategic divide within the opposition, particularly between those willing to collaborate with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and those determined to rebuild the PDP as a viable alternative ahead of 2027.
As the next election cycle approaches, Makinde’s comments suggest that the struggle for the soul of the PDP is far from over, with internal alignments and personal political ambitions likely to shape the party’s direction in the years leading up to the 2027 polls.
