The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has accused Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, of being at the centre of the internal crisis currently destabilising the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Wike made the allegation during his end-of-year media interaction at his residence in Port Harcourt, where he also responded to claims by Makinde that he had pledged to mobilise the PDP in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.
Describing the allegation as outright false, the FCT minister accused Makinde of deliberately misleading the public and playing a key role in deepening divisions within the opposition party.
According to Wike, the actions of Makinde and a few other influential party figures have significantly contributed to the leadership instability and internal discord rocking the PDP.
He also took a swipe at party elder and former Deputy National Chairman, Chief Bode George, stating that the PDP stalwart currently wields little political influence in Lagos State.
Wike further weighed in on the leadership tussle at the national level of the party, insisting that the tenure of the PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC) has expired. He warned that should the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) fail to recognise a proposed caretaker committee within the constitutionally stipulated 60-day period, he would seek legal redress to enforce compliance.
Reacting to Makinde’s allegation that he received one million dollars to support President Tinubu, Wike dismissed the claim as baseless, remarking that while he chose to exercise political influence, Makinde opted to function merely as “a contractor.”
The FCT minister also accused the Oyo State governor of orchestrating the removal of Senator Samuel Anyanwu as PDP National Secretary in a bid to gain control of the party’s national structure.
On speculations about Makinde’s presidential ambition, Wike argued that such a move would face strong resistance from the northern part of the country, despite acknowledging that governors now have greater financial leverage following the removal of fuel subsidy by President Tinubu. He cautioned, however, that increased access to funds could easily cloud political judgment.
Addressing broader economic concerns, Wike said exchange rate fluctuations alone should not be used as the sole yardstick for measuring economic performance.
Reiterating his position, he again denied attending any meeting where he allegedly promised to “deliver” the PDP to President Tinubu in 2027.
Turning to Rivers State politics, the former governor warned that chanting slogans such as “On your mandate we shall stand” does not automatically guarantee a sitting governor a second term.
He accused Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, of reneging on their political agreement and attempting to use and discard him. Wike dismissed claims that Governor Fubara is the undisputed political leader of the state, insisting that there is no such designation as “APC 001” in Rivers politics.
Wike disclosed that he had facilitated reconciliation meetings between Governor Fubara and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, as well as between the governor and the state’s elders council, adding that he requires no one’s permission to convene meetings with political associates and party stakeholders.
On his relationship with Senator Ireti Kingibe, Wike read from a letter in which the lawmaker praised his efforts at transforming Abuja into a model capital city, accusing her of engaging in double standards by publicly criticising his administration.
Addressing the 2027 general elections and the emerging coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Wike dismissed the alliance as lacking seriousness.
He described reports of former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi’s defection to the ADC as unfortunate, arguing that the PDP should have remained the primary opposition force challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) but had instead weakened itself through persistent internal crises.
Wike stressed that 2026 would be a decisive political year and urged politicians across parties to begin mobilising and preparing their supporters.
He concluded by asserting that if local government elections were held in the FCT today, the PDP would struggle to make significant gains, adding that ongoing infrastructural and development projects in Abuja would work in favour of President Tinubu in any future election.
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