Makinde Fires Back at Wike, Denies Receiving ₦50 Billion from Tinubu for Ibadan Airport

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has categorically denied receiving ₦50 billion from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu or the Federal Government for the upgrade of the Ladoke Akintola International Airport, Ibadan.

Makinde issued the strong rebuttal while addressing supporters and stakeholders at a zonal town hall meeting in Katsina State. He responded directly to statements made by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, during a television interview program where the minister claimed the Tinubu-led administration provided the multi-billion-naira financial backing as a reward for political alignment.

Dismissing the assertion, Makinde maintained that while President Tinubu granted the necessary regulatory approval for the facility to be upgraded to international standards, the execution and financing of the project rest entirely on the shoulders of the state government.

“My attention was drawn to an interview granted yesterday by the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, where he said that the President gave ₦50 billion to Oyo State or to me to upgrade the airport in Ibadan,” Makinde stated. “I want to say that claim is false. The President did not give ₦50 billion to me or to Oyo State. The Ibadan Airport upgrade project is being undertaken 100 percent with the money of Oyo State.”

The sharp exchange has added fuel to ongoing political discussions, emphasizing the deepening divergence between Wike and other political actors as the race toward the 2027 general elections gathers momentum.