Nyesom Wike has pushed back strongly against claims that he promised President Bola Tinubu he would weaken the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to help secure a second term in 2027, calling the allegation outright false and politically driven.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory addressed the issue on Monday during his end-of-year media briefing, responding to comments by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde. Makinde had alleged that Wike personally offered to “hold down” the PDP to make Tinubu’s re-election easier. Wike dismissed the claim as a lie, saying it reflected frustration rather than facts.
He questioned the logic behind the accusation, insisting there was never a meeting where such a promise could have been made. According to Wike, the only interaction in question happened after the 2023 elections, when he, Makinde, and former governors Samuel Ortom, Okezie Ikpeazu and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi paid a courtesy visit to the president to discuss post-election issues, with the Chief of Staff present.
Wike stressed that the meeting was straightforward and transparent, adding that it made no sense for anyone to suggest he offered to undermine his own party during that visit. He described Makinde’s remarks as unfair and suggested they showed a misunderstanding of how politics really works.
The FCT minister also spoke about political loyalty, warning that simply joining the APC or declaring support for President Tinubu does not automatically guarantee political relevance or rewards. While addressing supporters in parts of Rivers State, he said political influence must be built through consistency, commitment and respect for agreements.
He urged politicians to avoid making promises they cannot keep, stressing that loyalty without structure or discipline leads nowhere. His comments were widely interpreted as a subtle jab at Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who recently defected to the APC.
At a Christmas carol organised by his supporters in Rivers State last weekend, Wike also touched on the politics surrounding state finances. Reacting to Governor Fubara’s announcement that Rivers State had N600 billion in its coffers, Wike suggested the disclosure had drawn the attention of politicians eager to access the funds, warning that such interest often comes with attempts to sideline established political players under the claim of acting in the president’s interest.
