Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has debunked claims that Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde is nursing a presidential ambition ahead of the 2027 general elections, describing such reports as baseless and unfounded.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television on Monday, the former Rivers State Governor clarified that any disagreement between him and Makinde was not personal but rather tied to issues of discipline and order within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Reacting to reports suggesting political rivalry between both leaders, Wike dismissed the notion as “laughable.”
“What’s that? We are talking about a breath of fresh air, and you are talking about crap. What do you mean by not being happy for him to be a presidential candidate? Let us not trivialise this,” he said.
Wike, a prominent member of the PDP G-5 Governors’ bloc, stressed that leadership within the party must not be taken lightly or treated as a casual pursuit.
“No, please, don’t get me wrong. It’s not about being a PhD holder, an engineer, or a lawyer. No, that’s not it. It is not about waking up in the morning and saying, ‘I want to be a presidential candidate.’ No,” he stated.
He questioned the level of loyalty and contribution of some PDP leaders to the party’s growth, asserting his continued commitment.
“Which of them has contributed to the PDP more than me, even up till now?” Wike asked.
Addressing his relationship with the Oyo governor, Wike clarified that their connection was political, not 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. And there is no law that says political associates must remain together,” he said.
The minister explained that his rift with Makinde stemmed from concerns about maintaining party discipline.
“When his senior brother died, I went with ex-Governor Ortom, Ugwuanyi of Enugu, and the former governor of Abia and Senator Ohuabunwa to pay him a condolence visit. I told him, ‘Seyi, the way you are going, you will destroy the party,’” Wike revealed.
He also denied any allegations of betrayal within the G-5 group, maintaining that Makinde never discussed any presidential ambition with him.
Looking ahead, Wike said it was too early to discuss the 2027 elections, stressing that the PDP must first focus on rebuilding its structures.
“Well, let us get to convention first now. We are still trying to see how we can elect a National Working Committee before we can talk about the National Convention,” he said.
Wike concluded by emphasizing that the party’s immediate priority should be restoring internal unity and discipline rather than speculating about future political contests.
