Makinde’s Claim Is False, I Never Bargained PDP — Wike

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed claims by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde that he offered to “hold” the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for President Bola Tinubu.
Wike described the allegation as false, misleading and a distortion of facts, insisting that at no time did he negotiate or pledge control of the Peoples Democratic Party to President Tinubu or anyone else.
Reacting to Makinde’s comments, the FCT minister said the Oyo governor deliberately twisted events from a meeting with the President to suit a political narrative. According to Wike, his discussions with Tinubu were open and straightforward, and did not involve any agreement to manage or influence the PDP on the President’s behalf.
“I never told anyone that I would hold PDP for President Tinubu. That claim is completely untrue,” Wike said, stressing that Makinde’s allegation was aimed at stirring internal party tension.
Wike further accused Makinde of playing politics with sensitive party matters and attempting to shift blame amid ongoing leadership and unity challenges within the PDP. He maintained that his political choices have always been based on his convictions and not on bargaining away the party’s structure or future.
The disagreement between the two senior PDP figures comes amid growing internal rifts within the party following the 2023 general elections and debates over alliances, loyalty, and future leadership direction.
As of the time of filing this report, Makinde has not issued a fresh response to Wike’s rebuttal.