By Ayomide Otitoju
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has accused Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, of being the mastermind behind the ongoing crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Wike made the allegation during his end-of-year media chat at his residence in Port Harcourt, where he dismissed claims by Makinde that he had pledged to mobilise the PDP in support of President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Describing the allegation as false, the FCT minister accused the Oyo governor of lying and playing a major role in the deepening internal instability within the opposition party. He said Makinde, alongside some PDP leaders, had contributed significantly to the crisis rocking the party.
Wike also criticised PDP chieftain and former Deputy National Chairman, Chief Bode George, saying he offered little political value to the party in Lagos State.
Addressing the leadership dispute within the PDP, Wike insisted that the tenure of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) had elapsed. He warned that if the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) failed to recognise a proposed caretaker committee within the constitutionally stipulated 60-day period, he would seek legal action to compel compliance.
Reacting to allegations that he received one million dollars to support President Tinubu, Wike dismissed the claim, stating that while he chose to wield political influence, Makinde opted to become “a contractor.” He further accused the Oyo governor of orchestrating the removal of Senator Samuel Anyanwu as PDP National Secretary in a bid to take control of the party’s structure.
The FCT minister also commented on Makinde’s alleged presidential ambition, arguing that such a move would face strong resistance from the northern part of the country. While acknowledging that governors now have increased access to funds following the removal of fuel subsidy, he cautioned that financial abundance could cloud political judgment.
On the state of the economy, Wike said exchange rates should not be seen as the sole indicator of economic performance.
Reiterating his position, he denied ever attending any meeting where he purportedly promised to deliver the PDP to President Tinubu in 2027.
Turning to Rivers State politics, the former governor warned that political slogans alone would not guarantee a return ticket for any sitting governor. He accused Governor Siminalayi Fubara of reneging on their political agreement with the intention of sidelining him.
Wike also dismissed claims that Governor Fubara is the dominant political leader in the state, insisting there is no such designation as “APC 001” in Rivers State. He disclosed that he had facilitated reconciliation meetings between the governor and members of the State House of Assembly, as well as between the governor and the state’s elders council, adding that he does not need permission to convene meetings with his political associates and party leaders.
Addressing his relationship with Senator Ireti Kingibe, Wike read out a letter in which the lawmaker commended his efforts at transforming Abuja into a model city, accusing her of double standards over her public criticism of his administration.
On the 2027 general elections and the emerging coalition around the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Wike dismissed the alliance as unserious. He described reports of Peter Obi’s defection to the ADC as unfortunate, noting that the PDP should have remained the leading opposition platform against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) but had weakened itself through internal conflicts.
He said 2026 would be a full political year and urged politicians to begin mobilising their supporters.
Wike concluded by stating that if council elections were held in the FCT at present, the PDP would struggle to secure victory, arguing that ongoing development projects in Abuja would work in favour of President Tinubu in any election.
