Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has opened up on the roots of his political disagreement with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, insisting that their clash is ideological rather than personal. The governor traced the tension to both their contrasting political philosophies and a controversial statement allegedly made by Wike during a high-level meeting involving President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Speaking on the matter, Makinde recalled his early professional success, noting that by the age of 29, his engineering firm, Makon, had secured major contracts from multinational oil company Mobil. He said that within a year of landing the contract in 1997, he had earned his first one million dollars. At the time, Makinde pointed out, Wike was just concluding his law school training.
Makinde emphasised that he mentioned this timeline not to boast, but to clarify that rivalry or envy was never the basis of their disagreement. According to him, Wike later rose through the political ranks, eventually becoming a local government chairman and later governor of Rivers State.
The Oyo governor explained that the real turning point in their relationship occurred during a meeting attended by President Tinubu, Wike, and the President’s Chief of Staff. Makinde said he was stunned when Wike allegedly told the President, “I’ll hold the PDP for you in 2027,” despite the President not requesting such a commitment.
He said the comment raised serious concerns about the future of Nigeria’s multi-party democracy and the independence of opposition parties. Makinde noted that he later confronted Wike privately to ask whether there had been any agreement or mandate to make such a pledge.
Makinde stressed that while Wike has every right to support President Tinubu’s re-election bid, it is equally important to allow others within the political space to pursue alternative views without intimidation. He warned against Nigeria sliding into a one-party state and insisted that the Peoples Democratic Party must remain strong and independent.
The governor added that he initially sought the intervention of a mutual friend, hoping Wike would reconsider his stance. However, when that failed, Makinde said he chose to take a firm position, making it clear he would not align with what he described as an arrangement that undermines democratic pluralism.
Makinde concluded by affirming his right to chart his own political course, just as Wike is entitled to his choices.
