Media Chat: “I Won’t Be Silent When Democracy Is Threatened” — Makinde Slams Wike Over PDP, Says Claim to ‘Hold Party Down’ Is Undemocratic

Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, has firmly defended his stance on democratic principles, insisting that he will always speak out whenever the right thing is threatened, regardless of personal relationships or political alliances.

The governor made this known during a media chat where he was asked to comment on the reported internal crisis involving him and his longtime political associate, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.

Responding, Governor Makinde said that although he is known for keeping his cool and avoiding unnecessary confrontations, the current situation compelled him to speak openly, especially on a public platform.

“I am an individual who has always maintained calm, but there are times when silence becomes dangerous,” Makinde said. “This is one of those moments where I felt it was necessary to speak out in the interest of democracy.”

The Oyo State governor recounted a meeting he attended with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Chief of Staff to the President, and the FCT Minister, where, according to him, Wike openly declared his intention to “hold the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) down” for the president.

Makinde described the statement as “ridiculous” and fundamentally undemocratic, stressing that no individual has the right to hijack or undermine a political party for personal or external interests.

“My understanding of democracy does not permit anyone to hold a political party hostage,” he said. “Such a posture is not only wrong but completely against democratic ideals.”

Speaking further on his political journey, Governor Makinde explained that his involvement in politics was driven by a genuine desire to serve and give back to society, not personal ambition or financial gain.

He disclosed that he made his first million dollars as far back as 1997 at the age of 29, noting that at the time, the FCT Minister was just completing law school and later went on to become a local government chairman.
By highlighting this, Makinde emphasized that his political decisions are not motivated by material needs but by a commitment to public service and good governance.

On the state of the PDP, the governor dismissed claims of factionalization within the party, stating clearly that there is nothing like a “factional PDP.”

According to him, the party has conducted a legitimate national convention and taken internal decisions that are fully in line with the PDP Constitution and the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“The PDP remains one indivisible party,” Makinde said. “All actions taken so far are constitutional, lawful, and binding.”
Governor Makinde concluded by reiterating his resolve to continue standing firm in defense of democracy, party supremacy, and the collective interest of the Nigerian people, regardless of whose interests are bruised in the process.