No Close Friendship with Makinde, Our Relationship is Political – Wike

Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike Refutes Claims of Oyo Governor Seyi Makinde’s 2027 Presidential Bid

Political Rift Between Wike and Makinde Rooted in Party Discipline, Not Rivalry

On Monday, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, categorically denied rumors suggesting that Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, harbors ambitions to run for president in 2027. Wike also dismissed notions of a close personal friendship with Makinde, clarifying that their relationship is strictly political.

During an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Wike emphasized that his recent disagreements with Makinde stem from a commitment to maintaining order and discipline within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), rather than any personal or political rivalry, according to reports by The Punch Newspaper.

Wike Dismisses Speculation Linking Fallout to Presidential Aspirations

Addressing circulating speculations that his fallout with Makinde was triggered by the latter’s alleged presidential ambitions, Wike responded with incredulity. “What are you talking about? We are discussing a breath of fresh air, and you’re bringing nonsense,” he remarked. “Why would I be unhappy about someone aspiring to be a presidential candidate? Let’s not reduce this to trivial matters.”

He further cautioned against treating leadership ambitions lightly, warning that desperation could harm the PDP’s unity and progress.

Leadership Aspirations Require More Than Mere Desire, Wike Asserts

Wike elaborated that aspiring to lead the party or the nation is not simply a matter of waking up one day and declaring candidacy. “It’s not about academic qualifications like being a PhD holder, engineer, or lawyer,” he explained. “Some individuals rush into leadership roles without considering the consequences, which can destabilize the party.”

He challenged critics by asking, “Who has contributed more to the PDP than I have, even up to this point?”

Clarifying the Nature of His Relationship with Makinde

When questioned about the status of his relationship with Makinde, Wike was clear: “What do you mean by friends? He was my colleague. We are members of the same political party, not personal friends. We are political associates, and there is no rule that political associates must always agree or remain close.”

Party Loyalty and Upholding Rules at the Heart of Disagreement

Wike attributed their discord to differences over adherence to PDP’s rules and the need to preserve the party’s integrity. “The issue is about maintaining the PDP, obeying its laws, and ensuring the party functions as it should,” he stated.

Responding to accusations of betrayal against Makinde and other G-5 governors, Wike reaffirmed his loyalty. He recounted a condolence visit to Makinde following the death of his elder brother, accompanied by other prominent PDP figures, where he advised Makinde to reconsider his approach to party matters.

“I told him, ‘Seyi, the way you’re handling things could harm the party. Calm down, take it easy.’ I have never betrayed anyone and I never will,” Wike insisted. He also noted that Makinde has not officially declared any presidential ambitions.

2027 Presidential Discussions Premature Amidst PDP’s Internal Challenges

Wike, a key influencer within the PDP since the 2023 elections, described conversations about the 2027 presidential race as premature. “Let’s focus on the upcoming convention first. We are still working on electing a National Working Committee before we can discuss the National Convention,” he said.

The ongoing tension between Wike and Makinde highlights the broader challenges facing the PDP as it grapples with internal divisions following its defeat in the 2023 general elections. Analysts note that such fractures could impact the party’s cohesion and electoral prospects moving forward.