Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has issued a direct appeal to President Bola Tinubu, urging him to call the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to order over actions he describes as harmful to Nigeria's democracy.
Makinde's Direct Message to President Tinubu
In a recent interview that has since gone viral, Governor Makinde stated unequivocally that President Tinubu possesses the authority to caution his minister. He emphasized the need for democratic principles to be upheld across the nation, irrespective of political affiliations.
"The president has the power to call his minister to order to say 'look, allow democracy to survive in Nigeria,'" Makinde declared. He expressed concern that Wike's conduct, which he labeled as "anti-democratic," damages Nigeria's international image and erodes public trust in governance.
Root of the Feud and Loyalty to PDP
The governor traced the origin of his rift with the FCT minister to his refusal to align with Wike in supporting President Tinubu's re-election ahead of the 2027 polls. Makinde, a prominent figure in the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), affirmed his commitment to the party.
He clarified that he had personally informed President Tinubu of his inability to collaborate with the Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Makinde firmly stated that the PDP is united and not factionalized, citing the party's successfully held convention in Ibadan with due notice given to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
He criticized INEC's potential inaction, suggesting the electoral body might "behave like the ostrich, bury their head, and the whole of their body is outside."
Drawing the Line for 2027 and Presidential Ambitions
Governor Makinde drew a clear political boundary concerning the next general elections. He revealed a shocking moment from a meeting attended by President Tinubu, Wike, and others, where Wike volunteered to "hold the PDP" for Tinubu in 2027.
"I was in shock," Makinde recounted. He made it clear that while Wike is free to support President Tinubu, he will not follow that path. "Wike can support the president in 2027, but I will not," he asserted, stressing that no individual in the PDP has the right to impose political choices on others.
His primary focus, he explained, is ensuring the survival and stability of the PDP as it prepares for future electoral contests. On the subject of his own political future, Makinde addressed growing speculation about a potential presidential run in 2027. He confidently stated that he is not only qualified but "overqualified" for Nigeria's highest office, citing his extensive experience in the private sector and his tenure as a two-term governor of a key South-West state.
