Speaking on Arise Television, Makinde said speculation about his presidential ambitions may have reached the President and contributed to the apparent strain in their relationship.
He also recalled a previous meeting involving Tinubu and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, during which Wike reportedly pledged to retain control of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in support of the President ahead of the 2027 elections.
Makinde explained that although he had previously been approached by associates of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to consider a joint presidential ticket, he declined the offer, arguing that he had not spent enough time in public office to make such a decision.
He said: “So, it was my ambition, but I supported him in 2023 during the presidential primary of PDP. So, I didn’t have ambition then. I suddenly just developed an ambition. And let me say this: former VP Atiku Abubakar had his people approach me to run with him, and I basically told them, ‘Look, I was only three years as a governor in Oyo State, and three years as a public servant. So it wasn’t enough to take such a decision.’ So I said to them, ‘No, go look for someone else that can run. If it’s an ambition driving me, that is probably the surest part.’”
The governor also disclosed that communication between him and the Presidency had completely broken down, alleging that Tinubu did not contact him throughout the 56-day ordeal involving the abduction of pupils and teachers from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
According to Makinde, he made attempts to secure an audience with the President through the State Chief of Protocol but received no response.
He expressed disappointment that the President did not personally reach out during the crisis, stressing that the Federal Government should show concern whenever any part of the country faces such a security challenge.
“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.
Makinde confirmed that he has not spoken directly with Tinubu since the incident, adding that his immediate priority remains the governance and development of Oyo State.
