Oyo Governor Seyi Makinde Says He Regrets Supporting Tinubu in 2023 Election

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has publicly expressed regret over his decision to support President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 presidential election, stating that the outcome did not align with his expectations.

Makinde, speaking to journalists at the Government House in Ibadan on Tuesday, acknowledged that he backed Tinubu, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, believing he would act in the national interest and unite competent individuals to address Nigeria’s challenges.

“I said it earlier, I’m human. I supported the current president, even though in another party at that time, because I thought we’d do what is right for the country,” Makinde said. “But unfortunately, that is not what we’re seeing. I regret that action. Yes, I do.”

The governor was part of the so-called G5 — five Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors, led by then Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike — who opposed their party’s candidate, Atiku Abubakar, over zoning concerns. They argued that the PDP should have fielded a southern presidential candidate following former President Muhammadu Buhari’s eight-year tenure.

Makinde also disclosed tensions with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, claiming the rift arose after Wike told Tinubu during a meeting that he would “hold PDP” for the President ahead of the 2027 election — a statement Makinde said lacked consensus among party stakeholders.

“I asked Wike, did we agree to this?” Makinde said, adding that while Wike is entitled to support Tinubu, other PDP members also have the right to protect the party and uphold democratic pluralism.

The governor emphasized that he will not support Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election, citing concerns over the survival of democracy and the future of the PDP.