The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has strongly denied allegations that he promised President Bola Tinubu to “hold down” the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the 2027 presidential election. Wike described the claim, made by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, as false and misleading, insisting that no such discussion ever took place with the president.
Speaking during an end-of-year media chat on Monday, the former Rivers State governor said Makinde’s accusation was borne out of frustration and political ambition. He questioned the logic behind the allegation, asking what meeting could have warranted such a promise and why Makinde failed to raise the issue earlier if it were true. Wike maintained that Makinde had never directly accused him until recently, describing the sudden claim as “unfortunate.”
Clarifying the circumstances surrounding the alleged meeting, Wike explained that it was a post-election visit to President Tinubu involving himself, Makinde, and four former PDP governors—Samuel Ortom, Okezie Ikpeazu, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, and others. According to him, the visit was not pre-arranged to undermine the PDP but was simply to discuss issues following the 2023 elections. He added that the president’s Chief of Staff was present throughout the discussion, further dismissing any suggestion of a secret pact.
Wike described Makinde’s claim as “totally unfair,” arguing that ambition was not a crime but must be pursued within the rules of politics. He suggested that Makinde’s public outburst reflected personal frustration rather than factual events, adding that politics required patience, experience, and adherence to established norms.
The controversy stems from Makinde’s earlier revelation during a media chat, where he claimed Wike had voluntarily pledged to weaken the PDP in support of Tinubu’s re-election bid. Makinde also expressed regret over backing Tinubu in 2023 and vowed not to support him in 2027, citing concerns over Nigeria’s democracy. The exchange has further deepened internal tensions within the PDP as the 2027 elections draw closer.
