Wike Fires Back at Makinde, Denies Plan to Weaken PDP for Tinubu

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed claims by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde that he promised to “hold the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) down” to ease President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.

Wike refuted the allegation during an end-of-the-year media chat in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Monday, describing the claim as false, unfair and borne out of political frustration.

“What was that purpose that would have led me to say, ‘Mr President, I’ll hold PDP down for you?’” Wike asked.

Governor Makinde had last week alleged during a media chat in Ibadan, Oyo State, that Wike volunteered to weaken the PDP for Tinubu’s benefit during a meeting attended by the president and other political figures. Makinde said he was shocked by the alleged statement and insisted he would not support Tinubu’s second-term bid.

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Responding, Wike denied that such a meeting or statement ever took place. He clarified that he, alongside former governors Samuel Ortom (Benue), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu) and Makinde, only paid a post-election visit to President Tinubu to discuss general political issues.

“There was no such meeting. It is completely out of point to say I told Mr President that I would hold PDP down. It is very unfair,” Wike said.

The FCT minister accused Makinde of misrepresenting events and allowing personal ambition to fuel internal divisions within the opposition PDP.

“You can see frustration in Seyi Makinde. There is nothing wrong with ambition, but ambition must be guided by the rules,” Wike stated.

He further blamed Makinde for the legal battles that deepened the PDP crisis, alleging that party leaders had agreed to resolve disputes internally before Makinde took matters to court.

“We all agreed for the party to move on. He refused and went to the Supreme Court. When he went, he lost,” Wike said.

The rift between the two senior PDP figures has intensified following Makinde’s public declaration that he would not support President Tinubu in 2027, citing concerns over opposition survival and democratic balance.

Wike, however, maintained that he never offered to undermine the PDP, insisting that the allegations attributed to him were spurious and ill-conceived.

Wike Fires Back at Makinde, Denies Plan to Weaken PDP for Tinubu

I Won’t Be Anyone’s Running Mate in 2027 — Peter Obi

Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has declared that he will not serve as a running mate to any presidential aspirant in the 2027 general election, insisting that his ambition is to contest as president.

Obi made the declaration on Sunday night during an X Spaces conversation, where he spoke extensively on his political future, leadership vision, and preparedness to govern Nigeria.

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The former Anambra State governor stressed that he had acquired sufficient experience in both the private sector and public service, making it unnecessary for him to seek the position of Vice President.

“I am not travelling round the world to learn governance to be Vice President,” Obi said.

He expressed confidence in his ability to lead the country, stating that he possesses the knowledge and competence required to turn Nigeria around.

“I built my business from scratch and have more experience than any candidate, including the sitting President. Peter Obi will be on the ballot in 2027. I need your support and your prayers,” he added.

Obi’s declaration is expected to shape conversations ahead of the 2027 presidential election, particularly within the Labour Party and among his supporters nationwide.

I Won’t Be Anyone’s Running Mate in 2027 — Peter Obi

Kwankwaso, Governor Abba Yusuf Set to Dump NNPP for APC in Major Kano Political Realignment

Former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and the incumbent Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf are expected to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in what is being described as a collective decision endorsed by Kano voters and key political stakeholders.

The anticipated move would see both leaders abandon the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), the platform that powered their sweeping victory in the last general election, and align with the ruling APC at the national level.

The development was disclosed by Abdullahi Rogo, Director-General of the Protocol Directorate of the Kano State Government House, during a video statement that has since gained wide circulation.

According to Rogo, extensive political consultations in Kano State were held with influential actors across the state’s political structure, including the Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly and prominent members of the Kwankwasiyya political movement.

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He said the engagements culminated in a unanimous agreement on the state’s next political direction.

“After our meeting with the Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly and other members of Kwankwasiyya, we agreed that Kwankwaso and Governor Abba K. Yusuf should join the APC,” Rogo stated.

Rogo stressed that the proposed defection reflects the will of the people of Kano, noting that political decisions must align with the interests and expectations of the electorate.

He described the planned move as a strategic political decision aimed at strengthening Kano State’s influence at the national level, particularly within the framework of federal power.

Kwankwaso, a former presidential candidate and one of the most influential figures in northern Nigerian politics, commands a vast grassroots following across Kano and beyond. Governor Yusuf, his longtime ally and political protégé, currently controls the state’s executive arm, making the potential defection highly consequential.

If confirmed, the move would represent a major political boost for the APC in Kano State and could significantly reshape political alignments ahead of future elections in the state and the wider North.

Kwankwaso, Governor Abba Yusuf Set to Dump NNPP for APC in Major Kano Political Realignment