Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has openly criticised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, drawing sharp contrasts between their early careers and accusing the former Rivers State governor of undermining the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the 2027 general election.
Speaking during a media interaction with journalists on Tuesday, monitored on SaharaReporters’ YouTube channel, Makinde recalled his early success in business, saying he earned his first one million dollars at the age of 29.
“The first contract Mobil gave my company, Makon, was worth one million dollars. Within one year, I made one million dollars personally. I was 29 at the time,” Makinde said.
He noted that the milestone came in 1997, a period he said coincided with Wike’s exit from law school and just before Wike became a local government chairman.
Beyond personal history, Makinde addressed the widening internal crisis within the PDP, alleging that Wike is actively working against the party’s future. He cited a meeting involving President Bola Tinubu and Wike, during which Wike reportedly pledged to “hold the PDP” for the President ahead of the 2027 elections.
Makinde said the statement caught him off guard, as it was neither discussed nor agreed upon within the party.
“I challenged him immediately after the meeting because we never agreed to such a position,” he said, adding that he does not normally engage in personal disputes but felt compelled to speak on the matter.
The Oyo governor said he clearly informed President Tinubu that he would not support the All Progressives Congress (APC) or assist in organising the party in Oyo State, stressing his commitment to the PDP.
“I told the President plainly that I could not help organise the APC in Oyo State because I belong to the PDP,” Makinde stated.
According to him, the central issue is Wike’s decision to openly back President Tinubu’s 2027 ambition, a move Makinde said should not be imposed on other party members.
“Wike has the right to support whoever he wants, including the President, but others also have the right to choose. Some of us want to protect democracy and ensure the PDP survives,” he said.
Makinde revealed that he initially sought to resolve the disagreement quietly through intermediaries but eventually confronted Wike directly when those efforts failed.
“I made it clear that I would not be part of it. He can support whoever he likes, and I will also decide my own position for 2027,” he said.
He concluded by saying the unresolved disagreement explains the ongoing internal conflict within the PDP, reiterating that political choices should remain a personal and democratic decision within the party.
