Seyi Makinde, governor of Oyo, has said President Bola Tinubu has the power to call Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT), to order.
Makinde condemned what he called Wike’s anti-democratic behaviour, warning that such actions harm Nigeria’s image and undermine confidence in the country’s governance.
Governor Makinde said: “The president has the power to call his minister to order to say ‘look, allow democracy to survive in Nigeria.’
“And by the way, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is today, there is no faction. We held the convention here in Ibadan. We gave adequate notice to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which is all that we were required to do under the law.
“So, it may take INEC some time if they choose to behave like the ostrich, bury their head, and the whole of their body is outside.”
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During the same interview, Makinde revealed why he will not support President Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid, highlighting a growing political divergence within the PDP.
Makinde reflected on his early career, recalling that at the age of 29, he secured his first major contract with Mobil worth $1 million. The governor stated that at the time, Wike just left law school.
Furthermore, Makinde drew a political line ahead of the 2027 general election, declaring that while Wike is free to support President Tinubu, he will not follow the same path.
According to him, no individual within the PDP has the authority to impose political decisions on others, and his focus remains on the survival and stability of the opposition party.
Recalling a past meeting involving President Tinubu, Wike and other political figures, Makinde said he was taken aback by Wike’s declaration of support for Tinubu ahead of the 2027 election.
He said the comment from Wike was unexpected and reinforced the need for political actors to respect divergent views within the party.
“I was in a meeting with President Tinubu, Nyesom Wike, and others when Wike volunteered to hold the PDP for Tinubu against 2027, and I was in shock,” the governor said. “Wike can support the president in 2027, but I will not.”
Makinde urged the former Rivers State governor to allow colleagues make independent choices, stressing that his own priority is to keep the PDP intact as it prepares for future contests.
