The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed claims that he promised to hand over the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections, describing the allegation as false and politically motivated.

Wike made the denial on Monday during a media chat at his office in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, following accusations by Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, who alleged that the FCT minister was responsible for the internal crisis in the PDP and the wave of defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Makinde, who recently expressed regret over supporting Tinubu in the 2023 presidential election, claimed that his rift with Wike began after an alleged meeting where Wike reportedly told the President he would “hold PDP” for him ahead of 2027. According to Makinde, the statement shocked him and led to an immediate confrontation with Wike after the meeting. He said he made it clear that while Wike was free to support Tinubu, he would not be part of such an arrangement.

Makinde further claimed that he raised the issue with a mutual associate in an attempt to persuade Wike to reconsider, but alleged that the minister remained unmoved.

Reacting, Wike categorically denied making such a statement or entering into any such agreement with the President. He insisted that Makinde’s account was inaccurate and driven by frustration.

Wike explained that the meeting in question involved himself, former governors Samuel Ortom (Benue), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), and Makinde, adding that it took place after the 2023 elections and focused on general political issues.

“At no point did I tell the President that I would hold PDP for him,” Wike said, describing the allegation as “very unfair.” He questioned why Makinde failed to raise the issue within the party at the time if it truly occurred.

The FCT minister also criticised Makinde’s political style, noting that politics differs from running a business or managing contractors. While acknowledging Makinde’s right to ambition, Wike said such aspirations must be guided by political realities. He further accused the Oyo governor of lacking the courage to openly declare a presidential ambition, arguing that political intentions are often evident even when not publicly stated.

Makinde, however, had earlier said during a media parley in Ibadan that he possesses the qualifications and experience to contest the presidency if he chooses, but maintained that his immediate focus remains on the survival and rebuilding of the PDP ahead of future elections.