Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has taken a jab at the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, recalling how he made his first $1 million as a businessman at the age of 29, around the same time Wike was “just leaving law school.”

Makinde Reflects on Early Business Success

During a media chat with journalists on Tuesday, which was monitored by SaharaReporters, Makinde discussed his early career and how he made his first million-dollar deal in 1997. The governor shared, “The first contract that Mobil gave to Makon (Seyi Makinde’s company) was when I was 29, and it was for $1 million. By the end of that year, I had made $1 million in my pocket.”

He then pointed out the contrast with Wike’s career at the time: “In 1997, Wike perhaps had just left law school. His next job after that was as a local government chairman.”

The Rift Within PDP and Makinde’s Position

Makinde, a prominent figure in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), also addressed the growing rift within the party, accusing Wike of undermining its future ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He recalled a meeting with President Bola Tinubu and Wike, where Wike reportedly told the President, “Sir, I will hold PDP for you against 2027.” Makinde expressed his shock at the statement, saying that it was made without prior agreement.

After the meeting, Makinde confronted Wike, asking, “Wike, did we agree to this?” He made it clear that he did not agree with Wike’s stance.

Makinde’s Loyalty to PDP

Makinde asserted his loyalty to the PDP, revealing that he made it clear to President Tinubu during the same meeting that he would not support the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State. “I said, no, sir, I can never help you organise the APC in Oyo State because I am of the PDP,” Makinde explained.

He expressed concern over Wike’s open support for Tinubu’s 2027 presidential ambition, emphasizing that such a stance should not be imposed on others in the PDP. “The real issue is that Wike would like to support the President for 2027. That’s fine; it is within his rights. But some of us want to ensure that democracy survives in Nigeria, and that the PDP survives as well. He should allow us to make our own choices,” Makinde stated.

Efforts to Resolve the Disagreement

Makinde revealed that he had attempted to resolve the issue privately through a mutual friend, but when that didn’t work, he decided to confront Wike directly. “From that day, I made it clear I would never be part of this. Wike can support him, but it is also within my right to decide who I will support or what I will do in 2027. This explains the current conflict within the PDP,” Makinde added.

A Stance on Personal Rights

Reiterating his position, Makinde stressed, “It is within Wike’s right to do that. But it is also within my own right to decide within the political space who I will support or what I will do in 2027.”