Makinde Speaks on Rift With Wike, Says Minister Promised to Hold Down PDP

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has opened up on the root of his political disagreement with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, revealing that their fallout stemmed largely from Wike’s engagement with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and comments about the future of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

According to Makinde, his major concern arose after Wike openly declared, during a meeting with President Tinubu, that he would “hold the PDP” for the president ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“My major issue with Wike was his meetings with President Tinubu,” Makinde said.

“In my presence, when we had a meeting with the president, he told the president that he would hold PDP down for him in 2027, and I was shocked. When we got out, I told him this wasn’t what we agreed to come and say here, and that was when our issue began.”

Makinde also dismissed claims that he was upset over not having a nominee appointed to Tinubu’s cabinet, following Wike’s meeting with the president.

“After meeting with President Tinubu, he said he heard I was upset because my nominee was not given a ministerial slot,” Makinde stated.

“I told him: it’s your choice who to work with, but the Minister of Power, Bayo Adelabu, does not have the capacity to organise Oyo APC.”

The Oyo governor highlighted his personal journey and professional background, drawing a contrast between himself and Wike. He disclosed that at age 29, he had already achieved significant financial success.

“In 1997, I was 29 years old and was awarded a contract by Mobil for $1 million, and the money was in my pocket. At that time, Wike had just finished law school and was moving on to his next job as a local government chairman,” he said.

Beyond political disputes, Makinde emphasised his administration’s focus on long-term economic growth and institutional development. He noted that Oyo State became the first subnational government in Nigeria to sign agreements under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

“Oyo State became the first subnational to sign the agreement. So, any day you have an AfCFTA event, Oyo State will be at the table with other African countries,” he said, adding that the state chose to take the initiative rather than wait for the federal government.

Makinde stressed that his legacy would not be defined solely by physical infrastructure projects.
“I don’t want to be remembered for building roads and infrastructure alone,” the governor said.

“We would love to be remembered for the institutions we’ve created, which will ensure good governance, sustainable development, and growth long after we’ve left office.”