Makinde Breaks Silence, Accuses Wike Of Lying Over Alleged N50bn Ibadan Airport Funding
According to a report by The Punch on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, Oyo State Governor and Allied Peoples Movement presidential candidate, Seyi Makinde, has denied claims that the Federal Government gave his state N50 billion for the ongoing upgrade of the Ladoke Akintola International Airport, Ibadan, insisting the entire project is being financed by the state.
The governor made this known while addressing supporters at the Makinde/Daura 2027 Presidential Town Hall meeting held in Katsina on Tuesday, where he directly responded to comments made by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
Wike had claimed on Monday, during an appearance on TVC's Journalists' Hangout programme, that President Bola Tinubu's administration provided N50bn to support Oyo State's airport expansion project.
But Makinde, speaking to a crowd of stakeholders and party supporters, dismissed the claim as false.
"My attention was drawn to an interview granted yesterday by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, where he said that the President gave N50 billion to Oyo State to upgrade the Ibadan Airport to international standards," he said. "I want to say that claim is false."
He went further to clarify the source of funding for the project, stating plainly, "The President did not give me or Oyo State N50 billion to upgrade the Ibadan Airport. The Ibadan Airport upgrade project is being undertaken 100 per cent with the funds of Oyo State."
The governor's remarks add a new layer to the ongoing political sparring between him and the FCT minister, coming at a time when both men are positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 general election.
Makinde's denial also raises questions about the accuracy of claims made by federal officials regarding state-level infrastructure projects, and could fuel further scrutiny of funding narratives tied to the airport upgrade.
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