Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has shed new light on the origins of his long-standing rift with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, tracing the disagreement to a private meeting and comments allegedly made before a president.
Speaking candidly, Makinde recalled events dating back to 1997, when he was a young businessman, describing how differences in political approach and trust marked the turning point in his relationship with Wike.
“In 1997, I was 29 years old and was awarded a contract by Mobil for $1 million, and the money was in my pocket. At that time, Wike had just finished law school,” Makinde said.
The Oyo governor said tensions arose after a meeting with the president, during which Wike reportedly made a political commitment that surprised him.
“In my presence, when we had a meeting with the president, he told the president that he would hold PDP down for him in 2027, and I was shocked,” Makinde stated.
According to him, the comment was not part of what they had agreed to discuss, and it immediately created a crack in their relationship.
“When we got out, I told him this wasn’t what we agreed to come and say here, and that was when our issue began,” he added.
Makinde’s remarks come amid ongoing tensions within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), where internal disagreements, loyalty questions, and succession politics have continued to generate debate ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Neither Wike nor his aides have immediately responded to Makinde’s comments. However, the disclosure is likely to fuel further discussions about internal party dynamics, historical grievances among key PDP figures, and the broader struggle for influence within the opposition party.
Political observers note that Makinde’s account underscores how personal encounters and trust issues among political elites can evolve into major fault lines with long-term implications for party unity and national politics.
