Wike and Makinde

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has characterized the presidential aspirations of Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, as a failed venture, following the governor's recent alignment with the Allied Peoples Movement (APM).

Speaking to journalists on Thursday during an inspection of road projects in the Kwali Area Council, Wike asserted that Makinde’s move to contest the presidency under the APM banner would not yield success.

The PDP-APM Alliance Dispute

The friction comes on the heels of Governor Makinde’s formal declaration of interest in the presidency, held in Ibadan on Thursday. The declaration reportedly followed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by Makinde and the APM.

However, Wike dismissed the legitimacy of this coalition, raising the following points:

Lack of Consensus: Wike noted that Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has not corroborated any official PDP-APM alliance.

Political Imagination: The Minister described the narrative of a formal party merger as "merely a political imagination."

Party Loyalty: Wike emphasized that Makinde’s exit to the APM confirms he will not be the flagbearer for the PDP, stating, "We know that has been his game plan and we would say he cannot fly the flag of PDP."

Response to Rivers State Political Tensions

During the briefing, Wike also addressed recent comments regarding the political situation in Rivers State and the status of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

When questioned about Fubara’s continued association with the All Progressives Congress (APC) and calls for public sympathy, Wike was blunt:

"Sorry for what? Why are you saying problem when nobody has told you he has a problem? The man has told you he still remains APC. So what is the problem now?"

The Minister’s remarks signal a deepening rift within the opposition landscape as various factions begin to realign ahead of the next general election cycle.