The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has dismissed speculations linking him to a rift with Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, over an alleged 2027 presidential ambition.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, Wike said his disagreement with Makinde was purely about enforcing party discipline within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), not political rivalry.
Reacting to rumours that his fallout with the Oyo governor was connected to presidential ambitions, Wike laughed off the claims.
“What’s that? We are talking about a breath of fresh air, and you are talking about crap,” he said. “What do you mean by not being happy for him to be a presidential candidate? Let us not trivialise this.”
He cautioned against desperation within the PDP, stressing that leadership ambitions should be grounded in commitment and contribution.
“It’s not about being a PhD holder, an engineer, or a lawyer,” he said. “It’s not about waking up one morning and saying you want to be a presidential candidate. Assuming you really want to be one, will you allow your party to have this kind of crisis? Which of them has contributed to the PDP more than me, even up till now?”
When asked if his friendship with Makinde had soured, Wike clarified that their connection was never personal.
“What do you mean by friends? No, he was my colleague. We belong to the same political party, not friendship. We are all political associates. There is no law that says political associates must remain together,” he said.
Explaining the cause of their disagreement, Wike said it stemmed from Makinde’s handling of party affairs.
“It is about keeping the PDP, obeying the rules of law, and allowing the party to function as it should,” he stated.
Responding to allegations that he betrayed Makinde and other G-5 governors, Wike maintained that he had remained loyal.
“When his senior brother died, I went with ex-Governor Ortom, Ugwuanyi, and the former governor of Abia to pay a condolence visit,” he recalled. “I told him, ‘Seyi, the way you are going, you will destroy the party. Calm down, take it easy.’ Look at the crisis now — what do you want me to do? I have never, and cannot, betray anybody.”
Wike also noted that Makinde had never personally informed him of any presidential ambition.
“He has also not told me he was running for President,” he said.
Dismissing conversations about the 2027 elections, the former Rivers State governor said it was too early for such discussions.
“Well, let us get to convention first. We are still trying to elect a National Working Committee before we can talk about a National Convention,” he noted.
The latest spat between the two PDP heavyweights adds to the growing internal tension within the opposition party, which has struggled to maintain unity since its defeat in the 2023 general elections.
