Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike has rejected claims by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde that he promised President Bola Tinubu he would “hold the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)” for him ahead of the 2027 general election. Wike described the allegation as a “blatant lie” and insisted no such pledge was ever made during meetings with the president.
Makinde had publicly claimed that during a private 2024 meeting with Tinubu and other political figures, Wike volunteered to undermine and control the PDP in support of the president’s political ambitions. In response, Wike clarified that the encounter was informal and had nothing to do with party strategy, stressing that his support for Tinubu has always been public and does not require behind-the-scenes pledges.
Wike also questioned why Makinde did not raise the issue with PDP leadership at the time if it were true, and suggested that the governor’s accusation stemmed from frustration over political developments, including disputes over appointments and intra-party disagreements. He reiterated that his own political positions are a matter of public record and not contingent on secret bargains.
The dispute highlights ongoing tensions within the PDP as the 2027 election cycle approaches, with party unity and strategy remaining key points of contention among senior figures and state governors.
