WIKE: TINUBU DIDN’T ABANDON MAKINDE, GAVE HIM ₦50BN FOR AIRPORT

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu did not abandon Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, despite political differences between the two politicians.

Wike made the statement during an appearance on TVC News’ Journalists’ Hangout on Monday, while responding to claims that he is the only member of the former Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, G5 governors benefiting from the Tinubu administration.

According to Wike, Tinubu extended financial support to Makinde, including ₦50 billion for the expansion and upgrade of the Ibadan airport. Wike said the intervention demonstrated that the President had also supported other members of the former G5.

Wike also cited former Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu and former Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, who he said had been appointed Nigeria’s ambassadors to Spain and Greece respectively. He added that former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom was the only member of the group who, according to him, had declined an appointment.

The FCT Minister said it was therefore incorrect to suggest that he was the only former G5 governor benefiting from Tinubu’s administration. He argued that political support should not be measured only by ministerial appointments but also by the ability of state governors to access the President and secure federal support for development projects.

Wike also reaffirmed his commitment to supporting Tinubu’s bid for a second term in 2027. He defended his proposed cross-party “Rainbow Coalition”, describing it as an effort to bring together politicians from different parties who support the President’s agenda.