The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has dismissed claims that he assured President Bola Tinubu of undermining the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Wike made this known in a media chat on Monday, December 29, 2025.
His rebuttal follows growing internal disputes within the PDP, which intensified after Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde alleged that the minister had promised to “hold down” the opposition party for Tinubu.
Wike described the allegation as false and misleading, insisting that no such promise was ever made.
He said the claim stemmed from political frustration and accused Makinde of lacking the boldness to openly pursue his own presidential ambition.
The minister stated: “That is a blatant lie. Seyi Makinde has never called me Wike. That is the first time I have heard him calling me Wike. It’s unfortunate. He doesn’t even have the guts to tell us he is running for president.
“If such a thing truly happened, why was it not raised immediately with the party?”
Wike to rivals: Singing Tinubu’s ‘on your mandate’ now won’t change past deals
Wike explained that the meeting in question took place after the 2023 general election and involved several PDP chieftains, including former Governors Samuel Ortom (Benue), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), alongside Makinde.
He said the visit was informal and focused on post-election discussions, not a prearranged political bargain.
The former governor of Rivers State further disclosed that the president’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, was present during the interaction, saying there was no private or secret conversation in which he pledged to sabotage the PDP.
Describing the allegation as unfair and unfounded, the minister maintained that ambition was legitimate in politics but must be pursued through established party structures and conventions.
“There is nothing wrong with ambition, but it must be managed according to the rules of the game,” he said.
For Tolu Odukoya, growing up with one of Nigeria's most celebrated ministry names has never…
Actress Scarlet Gomez says her husband has no issue with her on-screen kissing roles, crediting…
The Katsina State Government is intensifying efforts to create safer learning environments through the domestication…
Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission of acting outside its…
United States Vice President JD Vance said on Sunday that talks with Iran failed to…
The Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) has extended the deadline for filing individual annual…
This website uses cookies.