ABUJA — Oyo State Governor and prominent Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) figure, Seyi Makinde, has arrived at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, for a meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Makinde’s visit came shortly after Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang was also sighted at Aso Rock. Mutfwang recently made headlines following his defection from the PDP to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Governor Makinde is a key member of the influential G5 PDP governors, a bloc that opposed the candidacy of Atiku Abubakar during the 2023 presidential election and openly supported Tinubu. The group argued that power should rotate to the South after former President Muhammadu Buhari’s eight-year tenure.
Other members of the G5 include former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike, Samuel Ortom (Benue), Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), and Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia).
However, relations between Makinde and Wike have since deteriorated. Makinde recently disclosed that the rift began after Wike allegedly told President Tinubu he would “deliver the PDP” for him ahead of the 2027 elections — a statement Makinde said was made without the consent of other party stakeholders.
According to Makinde, Wike’s declaration crossed a line, as it did not reflect the collective position of the PDP leadership. He stressed that while Wike has the right to support Tinubu’s re-election, others within the party also have the right to preserve the PDP and prevent Nigeria from drifting toward a one-party system.
Makinde further clarified that President Tinubu did not request such a commitment from Wike, describing the pledge as unsolicited. Efforts to persuade Wike to reverse the stance reportedly failed, prompting Makinde to distance himself completely.
The Oyo governor reaffirmed his political independence, stating clearly that he would not support Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, insisting that political choices must remain personal and principled.