I never promised to weaken PDP for Tinubu; Fubara not Rivers APC leader – Wike

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has rejected allegations by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde that he assured President Bola Tinubu of holding down the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the 2027 general election, describing the claim as untrue and politically motivated.

Wike also dismissed suggestions that Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has become the leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, insisting that party leadership is rooted in grassroots structures and not automatically conferred by occupying government office.

The former Rivers governor spoke on Monday during an end-of-year media chat with journalists in Port Harcourt, where he addressed controversies surrounding Rivers politics, the internal crisis within the PDP, and his relationship with leading political figures.

Fubara not APC leader in Rivers

Responding to reports that Fubara has assumed leadership of the APC in Rivers State following his defection, Wike said such claims reflect a misunderstanding of how political parties operate.

“There is nothing like 001 in any party. You register in your ward, and your local government comes from your ward. Being governor does not automatically make you the leader of the party,” Wike said.

While conceding that governors often wield influence within their parties, he maintained that leadership must be earned. “Leadership is not by position alone. You must demonstrate the qualities that make people follow you,” he added.

Wike said the protracted political crisis in Rivers State was a result of failed commitments arising from a peace agreement meant to reconcile Governor Fubara and the House of Assembly.

He accused the governor of misrepresenting reconciliation efforts, insisting that Fubara was present at meetings involving lawmakers and party elders.

“The governor cannot say there were no meetings between the speaker and the leadership of the House. He was there. I don’t like politicians who do not speak the truth,” Wike said.

He also criticised what he described as Fubara’s failure to take symbolic steps necessary for political harmony, such as engaging the lawmakers directly. “Politics cannot be one-sided. There are things a serious politician does without being told,” he added.

Makinde’s claim false 

On the PDP controversy, Wike flatly denied Makinde’s claim that he pledged to undermine the opposition party for President Tinubu.

Makinde had alleged that Wike made the remark during a visit to the Presidential Villa.

“That never happened. There was no such meeting,” Wike said.

He explained that the visit in question took place after the 2023 elections and included former governors Samuel Ortom, Okezie Ikpeazu and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, as well as Makinde himself.

“We went to see the president after the elections to discuss certain issues. There was nothing about holding PDP for anybody,” he said.

Wike questioned Makinde’s silence over the matter until now, saying that if the claim were true, it should have been raised earlier.

He added that his support for Tinubu has always been public and did not require any secret assurance. “Everybody knows where I stand. I don’t need to promise anybody anything behind closed doors,” he said.

Makinde frustrated, lacks courage to run for president 

Wike further suggested that Makinde’s allegation was driven by frustration, claiming the Oyo governor was unwilling to openly declare his presidential ambition.

“There is nothing wrong with ambition, but ambition must follow the rules,” Wike said, adding that Makinde “does not even have the courage to come out and say he wants to run for president.”

Ministerial slot, Bodija funds

The FCT minister also alleged that Makinde was displeased because President Tinubu did not approve his nominee for a ministerial position.

He further referenced federal intervention funds released after the Bodija explosion in Ibadan, claiming Makinde received substantial support from the Tinubu administration.

Makinde’s media aide, Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, had previously clarified that N30 billion, not N50 billion, was released, with part paid directly to victims and the rest used for reconstruction.

Wike insisted, however, that the Oyo State government owed residents a clear account of how the funds were utilised.

FCT governance, Tinubu loyalty

Wike also dismissed claims of a rift between himself and Senator Ireti Kingibe, citing her letter commending ongoing road rehabilitation in Abuja.

He highlighted improvements in security, infrastructure and transportation in the FCT, noting that sanitation challenges arose from the termination of old contracts and ongoing procurement processes.

Wike said he remains focused on governance and loyal to President Tinubu, urging political actors to honour agreements and act with sincerity.