Ogona Anita
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has ignited a wave of social media debate following his detailed account of a meeting with President Bola Tinubu and former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, where he claimed Wike volunteered to “hold the PDP” for the President ahead of the 2027 general election.
The interview, which also highlighted Makinde’s early professional milestones, including earning $1 million at the age of 29, has drawn both praise and criticism from Nigerians across social media platforms.
“We were there, and Wike said to the President, ‘Sir, I will hold PDP for you against 2027.’ I was in shock,” Makinde said. “Some of us want to ensure that democracy survives in Nigeria, that we don’t drift into a one-party state, and that the PDP survives.”
The remarks immediately triggered a wide spectrum of reactions online, with users dissecting Makinde’s claims, his historical earnings, and the broader implications for Nigerian politics.
On Twitter, some users highlighted the contrast between Makinde’s youthful wealth and political positioning: “Makinde flexing 1997 million-dollar vibes while shading political alliances like it’s a sports commentary. Nigeria politics: rich in drama, poor in clarity,” @mr_chiboi wrote.Politics
Others criticized the former allies’ perceived opportunism: “He used you people as a bargaining chip… he was eager to appear like a loyalist to Tinubu… he sold you people for porridge,” @DimJacobMP1 commented.
Some observers reminded Nigerians of Makinde’s own involvement in previous political arrangements: “But he was in the meeting when Wike made that statement and he never raised an objection,” noted Tijani Olayemi.
The reactions also reflected wider frustrations with Wike’s perceived betrayal within the PDP. Multiple users described Wike as greedy and opportunistic: “Wike deliberately destroyed PDP because of Tinubu,” @MrIgwe8 wrote, while @SportyStacey7 added, “Wike is just a betrayer.”
Meanwhile, others defended Makinde’s position as a legitimate personal choice within political space: “Governor Seyi Makinde puts his mouth where his money is. Everything he said is the absolute truth. Unlike Wike and other political gluttons,” @TheUntamable1 tweeted.
Analysts also weighed in, noting the strategic undertones of Makinde’s revelations: “Politics is ultimately about interests, timing, and strategy, not just history or personal milestones,” Jeremiah Robert commented. “Governor Seyi Makinde’s remarks highlight the deepening realignments ahead of 2027 and underscore a broader truth in Nigerian politics: loyalty is fluid, power is negotiated, and yesterday’s allies can become today’s opponents.”
Makinde’s statement comes against the backdrop of a well-documented fallout between him and Wike, former allies in the PDP and part of the influential G5 governors’ bloc, whose disagreements have intensified following Wike’s current alignment with the APC-led federal government.
Observers say the ongoing debate signals a volatile political climate in the lead-up to the 2027 elections, where the fate of the PDP and its leadership will be tested by competing loyalties and strategic manoeuvres.
