Makinde Lied About Tinubu Meeting – Wike

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, has dismissed claims by Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, that he pledged to undermine the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in support of President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Makinde had alleged during a media chat last week that Wike, at a meeting involving some members of the G-5 governors’ group and President Tinubu ahead of the 2023 general election, promised to “hold down” the PDP to ensure Tinubu’s victory. He further claimed that Wike has continued actions capable of destabilising the party even after the elections.

However, speaking on Monday during his ongoing end-of-year media chat at his Port Harcourt residence, Wike described the allegation as false, misleading and unfair. He insisted that no such meeting ever took place and that he never made any commitment to sabotage the PDP.

“Let me set the record straight, there was no such meeting. Seyi Makinde has never called me Wike before. That was the first time he called my name, and it is unfortunate,” Wike said.

He added that it was illogical to suggest he would make such a statement, noting that while he has openly supported President Tinubu, he never promised to undermine his own party.

“How can I, who have said repeatedly that I will support the President, now turn around to tell him, ‘I will hold the PDP for you?’ That is a blatant lie,” he stated.

Wike clarified that the only interaction between the G-5 governors and Tinubu was a general meeting held after the 2023 election, stressing that there was no private engagement or political bargain.

“There was no private meeting. The G-5 governors went to see the President to discuss certain national issues. It was after the election, that was all,” he said.

The FCT Minister also accused Makinde of double standards, challenging him to be transparent about the support Oyo State has allegedly received from the Tinubu administration, including approval of a N50 billion grant.

Wike rejected claims that a single individual could destabilise the PDP, insisting the party is made up of experienced leaders who cannot be controlled by one person. He blamed Makinde for the party’s lingering crisis, accusing him of ignoring advice from elders and allowing internal divisions to fester.

Warning ahead of the 2027 elections, Wike said the PDP risks further setbacks if internal issues persist, though he maintained that the party could still be repositioned for future success if corrective steps are taken.