“That’s a Blatant Lie” – Wike Rejects Makinde’s Claim He Promised PDP for Tinubu

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has rejected claims by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde that he promised to keep the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in support of President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking during his end-of-year media briefing in Port Harcourt on Monday, Wike described Makinde’s statement as a “blatant lie,” questioning the existence of any such meeting.

“That’s a blatant lie. That is why you see Seyi Makinde has never called me Wike again. That is the last time he called me Wike,” he said.

Wike challenged Makinde to explain why he did not inform PDP leadership about the alleged discussion, stressing that no such political agreement took place. He clarified that the only meeting with Makinde after the 2023 elections was a courtesy visit to President Tinubu, attended alongside former governors Samuel Ortom, Okezie Ikpeazu, and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, with the Chief of Staff also present.

“That is so unfair to say that I said that,” Wike said, describing the allegation as misleading.

The minister also criticized Makinde’s political approach, suggesting that he had limited understanding of party dynamics. “Politics is not like being a contractor with Shell. It has different rules,” Wike remarked, adding that ambitions must align with party processes.

“There is nothing wrong with having ambition, but your ambition must be according to the rules,” he added.