Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, has denied claims that he pledged to deliver the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) into the hands of President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The clarification came during a media briefing at his Port Harcourt office on Monday, following allegations by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde.
Makinde had accused Wike of contributing to the current crisis within the PDP, which has seen defections of governors, lawmakers, and other members to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
He claimed that the dispute between them began after Wike allegedly told President Tinubu in a meeting that he would “hold PDP” for him in 2027.
“I was in a meeting with the President and Wike, along with his Chief of Staff and a few others,” Makinde said. “I was shocked when Wike reportedly said he would hold PDP for the President. From that moment, I made it clear that I would never be part of such a plan. Wike can support him, but it is equally my right to decide my own political course in 2027.”
Makinde added that he later confided in a mutual friend, hoping Wike would reconsider, but the alleged commitment was never withdrawn.
Responding to the allegations, Wike described Makinde as “frustrated” and dismissed the claim as false.
“Seyi Makinde has never addressed me like that before, and this is the first time I am hearing such a claim,” Wike said. “First, what meeting could have led me to promise to hold PDP for President Tinubu? There was no such meeting. I, along with former governors from Benue, Abia, Enugu, and others, met the President after the elections to discuss certain matters. At no point did I say I would ‘hold PDP’ for anyone. This is completely unfair.”
Wike also suggested that Makinde’s comments reflect political frustration. “Seyi is a young man we have advised that politics is not like dealing with contractors; it has its own rules. Ambition is fine, but it must be pursued according to proper political processes. Makinde has not even openly declared a presidential ambition, and yet he acts as though he is entitled to dictate terms,” he said.
He further stressed that PDP members are well aware of political realities and that transparency and proper procedures should guide any presidential aspiration.
Makinde, speaking separately at Government House in Ibadan, reiterated his belief that he has what it takes to contest for the presidency if he chooses to do so.
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