2027: Makinde visits Bauchi reaffirms commitment to survival of PDP as main, formidable opposition
By Sule Aliyu Bauchi
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has cautioned members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) that supporting the camp of Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, amounts to backing President Bola Ahmad Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.
During the visit, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to unity, resilience, and national development.
Seyi Makinde said, “Your Excellency, my Chairman, Governor Bala Abdulkadir Muhammad, we’re here in Government House Bauchi this afternoon to pay Sallah homage to our brother. So, from all of us, especially the government and people of Oyo State, we want to say to you and the good people of Bauchi State, Barika da Sallah.
“And we’re also unmindful of the challenges you are going through, both personally and as a State, in terms of, persecution, all of that. We just also want to say that we come to identify with you and the people of Bauchi State to say that we encourage you.”
“You face challenges. That’s the price of a leadership. But, like I always say, any time that you see that people are not happy, that may endure for the night, but in the morning, joy will come. And our prayer is that with this season of celebration of the 30 days of sacrifice of the people to deny yourself of eating, merrying, our prayer is that, that sacrifice will not be in vain, and for you and the people of Bauchi State, joy will definitely come in the morning. Thank you and God bless you.”
Makinde made the statement during a Sallah homage to Governor Bala Abdulkadir Muhammad at the Ramat House, Bauchi, alongside former Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Seriake Dickson, and other prominent politicians.
Rimawaglobalnews reports that the visit, which came shortly after the Eid celebrations, underscores growing consultations among key stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) amid ongoing internal crisis within the party.Leadership Comes With Trials.
Speaking to journalists shortly after a closed-door meeting with Governor
Muhammad and other key political figures at the Presidential lodge (Ramat House Bauchi) Governor Makinde said he was in Bauchi to pay Sallah homage and identify with Governor Bala Muhammad amid ongoing political and leadership challenges.
According to Makinde, a meeting with Wike and President Tinubu revealed Wike’s intention to support Tinubu’s 2027 re-election, pointing out that those aligning with Wike are inadvertently backing the APC president.
“Anyone dealing with Wike and his group is, by extension, supporting President Tinubu for 2027,” Makinde stated, urging Nigerians to scrutinize the alliances”.
“I was in a meeting with Wike and Mr President and he promised to hold PDP for Mr President towards 2027. So, anyone dealing with Wike and his group in any guise, what it means is, you have also agreed to support President Tinubu for 2027″.
“we leave it for Nigerians to judge if they can be in their camp where they promised that they are supporting the president. We are not begrudging them, you can support whoever you like to support, but go to them if you want to support them”.
“Leadership is not without its trials, but perseverance and faith ensure that joy eventually comes,” Makinde said
He noted that leadership inevitably comes with tests and urged Governor Bala Muhammad to remain steadfast despite political pressures.
The Oyo State Governor also extended Sallah greetings to the people of Bauchi State, praying that the sacrifices made during the Ramadan period would yield positive outcomes.
In his remarks, Governor Bala Abdulkadir Muhammad described Makinde’s visit as a strong demonstration of unity and solidarity within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), particularly among governors who have remained committed to the party.
He commended Makinde for his patriotism, resilience, and contributions to the growth of the PDP and Nigeria at large.
The Bauchi Governor further emphasized the importance of unity among political allies, noting that despite operating from the opposition, they have continued to record successes.
Addressing questions from journalists on internal crises within the PDP, Governor Bala Abdulkadir Muhammad dismissed claims that reconciliation within the party was not an option.
He clarified that reconciliation efforts were being guided by legal processes and the rule of law, stressing that differing opinions within the party remain personal views.
The visit highlights ongoing political consultations and alliances ahead of future national engagements, as key stakeholders continue to navigate Nigeria’s evolving political landscape
