The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Monday dismissed reports suggesting that Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, was nursing a 2027 presidential ambition.
Wike also denied having a close personal relationship with Makinde, describing their connection as purely political.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, the former Rivers State governor said his recent disagreement with Makinde was not about political rivalry but about enforcing discipline within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Reacting to claims that his fallout with Makinde was linked to presidential ambitions, Wike laughed off the idea.
“What’s that? We are talking about a breath of fresh air, and you’re talking about nonsense. What do you mean by saying I’m not happy for him to be a presidential candidate? Let’s not trivialise this,” he said.
He cautioned that leadership aspirations should be treated seriously and warned against desperation within the PDP.
“It’s not about being a PhD holder, an engineer, or a lawyer. You don’t just wake up and say you want to be president. Some people just want to run so they can become leaders of the party. But if you truly want to be a presidential candidate, would you allow your party to be in this kind of crisis?” he asked.
Wike further questioned who among the party leaders had contributed more to the PDP than he had, even after leaving office.
When asked about his relationship with Makinde, Wike clarified.
“What do you mean by friends? No, he was my colleague. We belong to the same political party, not friendship. We’re political associates. There’s no law that says political associates must always stay together.”
Addressing why he fell out with the Oyo governor, Wike said it was about maintaining the integrity and internal order of the PDP.
He denied betraying Makinde or other members of the G-5 group, saying he had always offered sincere advice.
“When his elder brother died, I went with former governors Ortom, Ugwuanyi, and Ikpeazu, as well as Senator Ohuabunwa, to pay him a condolence visit. I told him, ‘Seyi, the way you’re going, you’ll destroy the party. Calm down, take it easy.’ Look at the crisis now—what do you want me to do? I have never betrayed anyone.”
Wike noted that Makinde had never told him about any presidential plans and insisted that talk of the 2027 elections was premature.
“Let’s get to the convention first. We’re still trying to elect a new National Working Committee before talking about the National Convention,” he said.
The rift between Wike and Makinde underscores ongoing divisions within the PDP as the party continues to grapple with internal instability following its defeat in the 2023 general elections.
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