Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has taken a swipe at Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, accusing him of aligning with President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections and urging those in his camp to declare their stance openly.
ENigeria Newspaper gathered that Makinde claimed he personally witnessed a meeting involving Wike and Tinubu, alleging a commitment to deliver the Peoples Democratic Party to the ruling camp.
“I came into the public domain to state that I attended a meeting with Wike and President Tinubu, where he promised to deliver the PDP for the President in 2027. Anyone aligning with Wike’s group, in any guise, is indirectly supporting Tinubu,” he said.
He added pointedly, “We leave Nigerians to judge. They are free to support anyone they choose. But if you want to support Tinubu, then you can openly join them. That is our position.”
Makinde made the remarks during a Sallah visit, alongside Bayelsa’s Seriake Dickson, to Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, where he said the trip was also to show solidarity amid the ongoing crisis within the PDP.
“We are mindful of the challenges you are facing, both personally and as a state. We came to identify with you and the people of Bauchi State and to encourage you,” he said.
Responding, Mohammed reaffirmed his loyalty to the PDP and dismissed speculations of defection, expressing confidence in overcoming internal opposition within the party.
“We are here to stay because God does not make mistakes in bringing people together. We will continue to serve Nigeria under any circumstance. If given the opportunity, we will rescue the PDP and provide Nigerians the platform to actualize their democratic aspirations,” he said.
The Bauchi governor acknowledged the internal divisions but insisted reconciliation remained achievable through legal and institutional processes.
“Reconciliation is not something we initiated; it is being facilitated as a solution by a competent court of jurisdiction, the Federal Court of Appeal. We are law-abiding and believe in the rule of law. There is no irreconcilable issue in Nigeria, especially in the political space,” Mohammed stated.
He described Makinde’s visit as a morale booster, noting the dwindling number of PDP governors. “Anytime you see someone like Governor Seyi Makinde, who symbolises the opposition today, you are encouraged. When we started, we were about 13 or 14 governors, but today, it is essentially just the two of us in the PDP,” he said, praising Makinde as “a patriot who believes in the Nigerian project.”
Mohammed also commended his colleague’s qualities, and believes that his personality is unique amongst several individuals.
“I cherish his drive, determination, and focus. Perhaps because he is an engineer and a young man, he stands out as an uncommon politician, one who breaks barriers and remains straightforward in his convictions.”
