Wike Assured Tinubu He Would ‘Hold PDP’ Ahead of 2027- Makinde
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has alleged that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, personally assured President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that he would “hold the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)” ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Makinde made the claim while speaking on the lingering internal crisis within the PDP, saying the party’s troubles were no longer speculative but rooted in deliberate actions by influential figures working against its unity.
According to the Oyo governor, Wike made the statement in his presence, reinforcing long-standing accusations within the opposition party that the former Rivers State governor is undermining the PDP from within despite remaining a member of the party.
“Wike told Tinubu clearly, and I was there, that he would hold the PDP for him ahead of 2027,” Makinde said. “So when people pretend not to understand what is going on in our party, I find it surprising.”
Makinde argued that such assurances explain the deepening divisions and leadership paralysis currently facing the PDP, particularly since the 2023 general elections. He noted that the party has struggled to present a united front, with unresolved disputes over leadership, strategy, and loyalty.
The Oyo governor warned that unless the PDP confronts what he described as “internal sabotage,” it risks further weakening its position as Nigeria’s leading opposition party.
“This is not just about disagreements or internal democracy,” Makinde said. “It is about people openly working for the success of another party while wearing PDP colours.”
Wike, a former PDP presidential aspirant and key figure in the party’s G-5 faction, supported Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) during the 2023 presidential election and was later appointed FCT minister by the president. His continued membership of the PDP has remained a contentious issue, with critics accusing him of dual loyalty.
Makinde’s remarks are likely to intensify calls within the PDP for decisive disciplinary action against members accused of anti-party activities. Several party leaders and stakeholders have repeatedly demanded clarity on Wike’s status, arguing that his role in an APC-led government is incompatible with PDP membership.
However, Wike and his allies have defended his actions, insisting that political pluralism and national interest justify cross-party collaboration, and that internal PDP failures, not his conduct, are responsible for the party’s woes.
The PDP leadership has yet to officially respond to Makinde’s latest claims. But political observers say the comments underscore the scale of mistrust within the party and highlight the challenges it faces in rebuilding cohesion ahead of the 2027 elections.
As the battle for the PDP’s future direction intensifies, Makinde warned that silence or denial would only worsen the situation. “If we are serious about rescuing this party,” he said, “we must first tell ourselves the truth.”