JUST IN: Wike dismisses Makinde’s claim of PDP deal with Tinubu ahead of 2027

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed claims that he promised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to deliver the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to him ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

The allegation was recently made by Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, during a media interaction in Ibadan.

Reacting during his end-of-year media chat in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Wike described the claim as false and misleading, insisting that no such promise was ever made.

“That’s a blatant lie. Seyi Makinde has never called me Wike. There was no such meeting,” the minister said.

Wike questioned the basis of Makinde’s assertion, asking why the Oyo governor failed to brief the PDP leadership if such a discussion had actually taken place.

“What was the purpose of that meeting? Why didn’t Makinde come out to tell the party that this is what Wike said? There was no such meeting,” he stated.

Clarifying the situation, Wike explained that the only interaction involving Makinde and other PDP leaders with President Tinubu after the 2023 general election was a courtesy visit, not a political negotiation.

According to him, those present at the visit included former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom, former Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, former Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Makinde himself, and the President’s Chief of Staff.

Describing Makinde’s claim as unfair, Wike said it was wrong to attribute statements to him that he never made, adding that the comments reflected frustration.

The FCT minister also criticised Makinde’s understanding of politics, saying party politics requires experience and adherence to established rules.

“Politics is not like being a contractor with Shell. It has different rules,” Wike said.

While acknowledging Makinde’s ambition, Wike stressed that political aspirations must align with party norms and processes.

“There is nothing wrong with ambition, but ambition must follow the rules. Makinde is still a baby in politics and should learn from those with experience,” he added.