Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has publicly expressed regret over his decision to support President Bola Tinubu during the 2023 presidential election, stating the move did not yield the anticipated results for the nation.
A Decision Based on National Interest
The governor, a prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), revealed that his backing for the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate was driven by a belief in Tinubu's capacity to prioritize the country's welfare. Speaking with journalists at the Government House in Ibadan on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, Makinde explained his rationale.
"I said it earlier, I'm human. I supported the current president, even though in another party at that time, because I thought we'll do what is right for the country," the governor stated, as reported by Vanguard.
He further elaborated that he had believed Tinubu would "reset the country" and assemble a competent team to tackle Nigeria's multifaceted challenges.
Regret and Political Repercussions
Governor Makinde did not mince words about his current disappointment. "But unfortunately, that is not what we're seeing. I regret that action. Yes, I do," he declared emphatically.
This admission of regret aligns with his and the PDP's firm stance against supporting President Tinubu's potential re-election bid in 2027. Makinde has already publicly distanced himself from any such move, setting the stage for political divergence.
Deepening Rift with Former Ally Wike
The governor's comments also shed light on the ongoing friction within the PDP, particularly his strained relationship with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. Makinde recounted how Wike attempted to undermine him during a meeting with President Tinubu.
He firmly asserted that Wike lacks the authority to dictate political choices within the PDP and reaffirmed his commitment to the party's integrity. The long-standing rift between the two former G5 allies has deepened, exacerbated by disciplinary actions taken against Wike by PDP factions loyal to Governor Makinde.
In a pointed remark highlighting their differing trajectories, Makinde reflected on his early career success, noting that he secured a $1 million contract with Mobil at the age of 29, a time when, he suggested, Wike had likely just graduated from law school.
This public declaration of regret from a sitting governor marks a significant moment in Nigeria's political landscape, underscoring the shifting alliances and growing internal debates within major parties as the nation looks toward the next electoral cycle.
