“Makinde Is Angry Because He Was Denied a Ministerial Slot” — Wike

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has said that the fallout between him and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde was triggered by Makinde’s dissatisfaction over the denial of a ministerial slot in President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Wike made the claim on Monday during a media parley, where he addressed the internal disagreements within the G5 group of governors who worked together during the 2023 general elections.

According to Wike, the tension began after Makinde’s nominee did not make the ministerial list, contrary to what he described as an earlier understanding among members of the group.

“What we are dealing with today’s problem is that he was not given any ministerial slot,” Wike said. “Even when he was saying it, we could see the anger. He didn’t need to tell anybody.”

The FCT minister said members of the group tried to calm Makinde and explain the circumstances surrounding the appointments, including their meetings with President Tinubu.

“We went back and explained why we went to see the President. We told him to take it easy. There are factors you may not have considered,” Wike stated.

He added that despite these efforts, reconciliation proved difficult because Makinde had, in his view, already taken a firm position.

Wike also recalled a separate incident involving former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom, whom he said made a statement in support of President Tinubu’s second-term ambition during a public event in Rivers State. According to Wike, Makinde openly questioned the statement the following day.

Wike said he later advised Makinde that the response was unnecessary and could have been handled with more restraint.

He concluded that Makinde’s actions over time had widened the divide, making it harder to restore unity within the group.