He Had Just Left Law School When I Made $1m, Makinde Takes Swipe At Wike
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has weighed in on issues surrounding the ongoing leadership crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and his deteriorating relationship with Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Speaking during a media chat on Tuesday in Ibadan, the state capital, 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 he secured the contract at a time when Wike had probably just left law school.
Makinde described the deal as a pivotal moment that shaped his rise in both business and politics.
On his political differences with Wike, the governor said tensions began during a meeting with him (Wike), Tinubu, the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, and other officials.
Makinde said Wike told the President he would “hold the PDP” for him ahead of the 2027 elections, saying that the statement left him shocked.
“The President did not ask him to do this; he volunteered.
“Wike is within his rights to support Tinubu, but those of us who want to ensure the survival of multiparty democracy and the PDP should also be allowed to make our own decisions,” Makinde said.
He added that efforts to persuade Wike to reconsider his stance were unsuccessful, prompting his decision to distance himself from the move.
“After he didn’t back off, I told him from that day that I would never be part of this,” he said.
Makinde concluded by affirming his independence in political decision-making ahead of 2027.
“That is why I will never support the President for 2027. Wike can support him; it is within his right, but it is also within my right within the political space to determine who I will support or what I will do in 2027,” he added.
