Makinde Says 2027 Presidential Ambition May Have Strained Relationship With Tinubu HTML Body

Oyo State Governor and Allied Peoples Movement (APM) presidential candidate, Seyi Makinde, has suggested that his ambition to contest the 2027 presidential election may have created tension between him and President Bola Tinubu.

Makinde made the disclosure during an interview with Arise Television on Friday, while reflecting on his relationship with Tinubu after supporting the President's 2023 election campaign in Oyo State.

The governor said he could only speculate that people may have informed Tinubu about his possible presidential ambition, which might have affected their relationship.

“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,” he said.

Makinde Recalls Supporting Tinubu in 2023

The governor recalled meeting Tinubu alongside the 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) structure ahead of the 2027 elections.

Makinde said his support for Wike during the PDP's 2023 presidential primary showed that he had no presidential ambition at the time.

He also disclosed that associates of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar had approached him about joining the former vice-president on a presidential ticket in 2023, but he declined the offer.

According to Makinde, he believed he had not spent enough time as governor or in public service to take on such a responsibility.

He argued that his decision at the time showed that his current presidential ambition was not something he had been pursuing for years.

Governor Says Tinubu Did Not Contact Him Over Abduction

Makinde also claimed that Tinubu did not contact him during the 56 days that pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State remained in captivity.

He said he had attempted to meet the President because he expected him to show concern over the kidnapping, but the anticipated contact never came.

Asked whether Tinubu eventually reached out, Makinde replied: “He did not. No. Till tomorrow.”

The governor said he also tried to reach the President through the State Chief of Protocol but received no response.

He maintained that he had never spoken directly with Tinubu about any matter and was focused on governing Oyo State.

The abducted pupils and teachers were eventually released after spending 56 days in captivity.

Vanguard News