Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has declared that he will not support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, stressing the importance of political independence and the survival of democracy in Nigeria.

Speaking during a press briefing on Tuesday in Ibadan, Makinde criticized Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, for attempting to influence political choices. “Others must be free to decide who they support. Wike cannot dictate political allegiance to anyone,” he said.

The governor recounted a meeting with Wike, President Tinubu, and other officials, during which the former Rivers State governor reportedly offered to “hold” the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for Tinubu in the 2027 elections. Makinde expressed surprise and disapproval of this declaration. “I was in shock when Wike volunteered to hold the PDP for Tinubu. Wike can support the president if he chooses, but I will not,” he affirmed.

Makinde explained that his refusal to back Tinubu is motivated by the need to protect democracy, maintain a viable PDP, and prevent Nigeria from drifting toward a one-party system. He clarified that the president did not request Wike’s intervention; rather, it was the FCT Minister who offered to take that step.

Naija News recalls that both Makinde and Wike were part of the G5 Governors who supported Tinubu over their own party’s candidate, Atiku Abubakar, during the 2023 presidential election. However, their political alliance has since fractured, with the two now backing different factions within the PDP.

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