Oyo State Governor and Allied Peoples Movement (APM) presidential candidate, Seyi Makinde, has suggested that his presidential ambition may have contributed to the strained relationship between him and President Bola Tinubu, whom he supported during the 2023 general election.
Makinde said he suspected that some individuals might have informed the President that he was considering contesting against him in the 2027 presidential election, potentially creating tension between them.
The governor made this known during an interview with Arise Television on Friday, where he reflected on the deterioration of his relationship with Tinubu despite his political support for the President in 2023.
“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 meeting involving Tinubu and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, during which he reportedly assured the President that he would help maintain the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the 2027 elections.
According to Makinde, he had told Tinubu that he would hold the PDP for him, describing the gesture as evidence that he had no presidential ambition at the time.
The governor further disclosed that he supported Wike during the PDP presidential primary in 2023, arguing that his political decisions at the time contradicted suggestions that he had long been pursuing the presidency.
Makinde also revealed that associates of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar had approached him in 2023 to join the former vice-president on a presidential ticket.
However, he said he rejected the proposal because he considered his experience in public service and as governor insufficient for such a responsibility.
He explained that he had served only three years as governor of Oyo State and three years as a public servant at the time.
The governor also accused Tinubu of failing to reach out to him during the 56 days that pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State remained in captivity.
Makinde said he had attempted to secure a meeting with the President during the crisis because he expected the nation’s leader to demonstrate concern over the abduction.
“I tried to see the President when our students and our children and their teachers were kidnapped, because I thought if any part of Nigeria is going through such a challenge, the president should be interested. Actually, I expected the president to call me,” he said.
Asked whether Tinubu eventually contacted him, Makinde responded that the President had not reached out to him.
“He did not. No. Till tomorrow,” he added.
The governor further disclosed that he attempted to contact the President through the State Chief of Protocol but received no response.
Makinde maintained that he had never spoken directly with Tinubu about any matter, insisting that his primary focus remained the governance of Oyo State.
“I’m saying it again that till tomorrow I’ve not spoken directly with the President about anything. I’m just minding my own business, running Oyo State. And I’m not complaining,” he said.
The abducted pupils and teachers were eventually released after spending 56 days in captivity.
Makinde’s comments come amid growing political realignments and manoeuvring ahead of the 2027 general elections, with questions surrounding his presidential ambition and relationship with key political figures.
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