Seyi Makinde Hints At Rift With Tinubu Over 2027 Presidential Ambition

Oyo State Governor and Allied Peoples Movement (APM) presidential candidate, Seyi Makinde, has suggested that his decision to contest the 2027 presidential election may have affected his relationship with President Bola Tinubu, despite previously supporting the President’s electoral victory in Oyo State during the 2023 general elections.

Makinde made the disclosure during an interview on Arise Television, where he speculated that information about his presidential ambition may have reached Tinubu and created tension between them.

The governor explained that although he could not confirm the reason for the perceived strain, he believed people might have informed the President that he was considering challenging him in the 2027 election.

“Well, I can only guess. Yes, please. You know, people talk a lot. Maybe some people went and told him, ‘Look, Seyi may likely run against you.’ I don’t know. That may cause bad blood between us,” Makinde said.

He also recalled a previous meeting involving Tinubu and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, during which Wike reportedly pledged to retain control of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in support of the President ahead of the 2027 elections.

Makinde, however, maintained that his current presidential ambition was not part of his political plans during the 2023 election cycle. He said he had supported Wike during the PDP presidential primary and had also rejected an offer from associates of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to serve as his running mate.

According to the governor, he declined the proposal because he considered his three years in office as Oyo State governor and his limited experience in public service insufficient preparation for the position at the time.

He explained that he advised Atiku’s associates to consider another candidate, stressing that he had no presidential ambition then.

Makinde further alleged that communication between him and the Presidency had broken down, revealing that Tinubu did not contact him during the 56-day period in which pupils and teachers abducted from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State were held captive.

The governor said he had attempted to arrange a meeting with the President through the State Chief of Protocol but received no response.

He added that he expected Tinubu to reach out during the security crisis, arguing that the President should show concern whenever any part of the country faces such a serious challenge.

Makinde confirmed that he had not spoken directly with Tinubu since the incident, adding that his immediate priority remained the administration of Oyo State.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the governor’s comments have brought renewed attention to the political relationship between Makinde and Tinubu as preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum.