Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has made a stunning revelation, stating that he turned down a direct request from President Bola Tinubu to help organise and coordinate the All Progressives Congress (APC) within the state.
Makinde's Firm Rejection of Presidential Request
The governor disclosed this during a media interaction with journalists held in Ibadan on Tuesday, December 23, 2025. According to Makinde, the proposition came following several engagements with the President, including discussions related to the nomination of a minister from Oyo State after the federal cabinet was formed.
Makinde recounted the President's direct words: "He said, 'Seyi, it's you that I want to help me organise APC in Oyo state.'" The governor's response was immediate and unequivocal. He stated, "I told him, 'No sir, I cannot help you organise APC in Oyo state because I am of the PDP.'"
He explained that his refusal was rooted in unwavering loyalty to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and a fundamental belief in maintaining a robust opposition system for Nigeria's democracy.
The Shocking Pledge by Nyesom Wike
In a further explosive disclosure, Governor Makinde revealed he was present at a meeting where the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, openly declared his political support for President Tinubu's anticipated re-election bid in 2027.
Makinde described the setting, noting the presence of the President's Chief of Staff and a few others. "Wike said to the president that, 'well, sir, I will hold PDP for you against 2027,'" the Oyo governor narrated.
He admitted the comment left him utterly stunned. "I was in shock. So we got up, we got to the verandah and I said, 'Wike did we agree to this?'" Makinde added, highlighting the unexpected nature of the declaration.
Commitment to Opposition and Democracy
While acknowledging Wike's right to make his own political choices, Governor Makinde drew a clear line, emphasising his commitment to preventing Nigeria from drifting into a one-party state.
"The real issue is that Wike would like to support the president for 2027. That's fine. It is within his right to do that," Makinde stated. "But also some of us that want to ensure that democracy survives in Nigeria, we don't drift into a one party state and we want to ensure that PDP survives. He should also allow us to do our own thing."
He firmly distanced himself from any such alignment, asserting, "Wike can support the president in 2027, but I will not." His stated priority remains rebuilding and strengthening the PDP for future electoral contests.
On the question of his own presidential ambition, Governor Makinde declared himself qualified and "overqualified," pointing to his governance experience in Oyo State and his private sector background. He ruled out supporting President Tinubu in the 2027 election, reiterating that his focus is squarely on safeguarding democratic institutions and ensuring the survival of a viable opposition.
