Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has made a stunning revelation about a direct request from President Bola Tinubu, which he firmly declined. The governor stated he was asked to help coordinate the All Progressives Congress in his state, a proposal he rejected due to his allegiance to the Peoples Democratic Party.
The Presidential Request and Makinde's Rejection
Governor Makinde shared this information during a media interaction held in Ibadan on Tuesday, December 23. He explained that the conversation with President Tinubu occurred following earlier discussions concerning the nomination of a minister from Oyo State after the federal cabinet was formed.
According to Makinde, the President made a personal appeal, saying, "Seyi, it's you that I want to help me organise APC in Oyo State." The governor's response was immediate and clear. He told the President, "No sir, I cannot help you organise APC in Oyo State because I am of the PDP." Makinde emphasised that his commitment to his political party made it impossible for him to undertake such a role.
A Shocking Meeting and Wike's 2027 Declaration
In a further revelation that highlights the complex political alignments in Nigeria, Governor Makinde described a separate meeting he attended with President Tinubu. Also present were the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, the President's chief of staff, and a few others.
Makinde recounted that during this meeting, Nyesom Wike openly declared his intention to support President Tinubu's re-election campaign in 2027. "Wike said to the president that, 'Well sir, I will hold PDP for you against 2027,'" the governor stated.
Makinde expressed his shock at this declaration. "I was in shock. So we got up, we got to the verandah and I said, 'Wike, did we agree to this?'" he added, questioning the basis of Wike's statement.
Defending Democracy and Party Survival
Governor Makinde used the platform to clarify his political stance. He acknowledged that Nyesom Wike is within his rights to offer political support to President Tinubu. However, Makinde drew a clear line, stating he would not be part of any arrangement that weakens the opposition or threatens Nigeria's democratic fabric.
"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 said. "But some of us want to ensure that democracy survives in Nigeria, that we don't drift into a one-party state, and that the PDP survives. He should also allow us to do our own thing."
This public disclosure by the Oyo State governor sheds light on the behind-the-scenes political negotiations and the ongoing struggle for the soul of Nigeria's main opposition party ahead of the next general election cycle.
