Wike Denies Promising to Hold Down PDP for Tinubu, Hits Back at Makinde
- The Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike, denied claims by Seyi Makinde that he promised to hold down PDP for President Tinubu in 2027
- He described the allegation as unfair and clarified that the meeting with Tinubu was to discuss elections
- Wike also criticised Nigerian governance practices, citing inflated contractor profits across sectors
Legit.ng's Muslim Muhammad Yusuf is a 2025 Wole Soyinka Award-winning journalist, has over 8 years of experience in investigative reporting, human rights, politics, governance and accountability in Nigeria.
Port Harcourt - The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has strongly denied claims by Oyo state Governor, Seyi Makinde, that he promised to hold the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
This latest exchange follows a media interview in which Makinde had claimed Wike made the statement during discussions with the president.
Source: Facebook
Speaking to journalists in Port Harcourt on Sunday, Wike described the assertion as a “blatant lie” and dismissed it as an unfair misrepresentation of events.
“Ask yourself, what is the purpose of a meeting that would lead me to tell Tinubu I would hold PDP for him?” Wike said.
“There was no such meeting. Rather, I, the former governors of Benue, Abia, and Enugu states, and Seyi Makinde went to see the president to discuss elections and related matters. There was nothing like telling Mr. President I will hold PDP for you. Whoever said that is so unfair.”
The former Rivers State governor also used the occasion to mock what he described as “frustration” on the part of Makinde.
Wike speaks about $1m contract claims
Wike has also taken a swipe at the Governor of Oyo state, Seyi Makinde, over his claims about a $1m contract.
Makinde, in an earlier chat, recalled that he made his first $1 million at age 29, while Wike was reportedly completing law school and seeking a local government chairmanship.
However, Wike, in his interview, also criticised what he called the “absurdities” of governance in Nigeria, using the example of contractors earning profits equal to their entire contracts.
“You see, it’s only in Nigeria that someone will get a $1 million contract, and his profit will be the same $1 million; if that is the case, only God will help us,” he said
Source: Facebook
Observers say the renewed clash between the two leaders comes amid ongoing tensions within the PDP, particularly as the party grapples with leadership disputes and internal alignment ahead of future elections.
Makinde narrates how Wike undermined him
Legit.ng earlier reported that Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state has drawn a clear political line ahead of the 2027 general election, declaring that while FCT Minister Nyesom Wike is free to support President Bola Tinubu, he will not follow the same path.
Makinde made the position known on Tuesday, December 23, during a media interaction in Ibadan, Channels TV reported.
He said no individual within the Peoples Democratic Party has the authority to impose political decisions on others, adding that his focus remains the survival and stability of the opposition party.
Makinde speaks about defections to APC
Legit.ng earlier reported that Makinde criticised the wave of defections from opposition parties to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), warning that a weak opposition would harm the country’s democratic process.
He also distanced himself from any future alliance with President Tinubu, despite supporting him during the 2023 election.
“Wike can support the president in 2027, but I will not,” Makinde said, referring to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
The governor stressed that rebuilding and strengthening the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) remains his top priority as the party grapples with internal crises and high-profile defections.
Source: Legit.ng
