Wike Denies Friendship, Accuses Makinde of Plotting to Destroy PDP
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has publicly declared that his relationship with Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, was never one of friendship but strictly a political association that has now soured.
Speaking in an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, the former Rivers State governor was blunt when asked about his camaraderie with Makinde, who was his ally in the G5 group that opposed the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, in the 2023 elections.
“What do you mean by friends? No, he was my colleague. We belong to the same political party, not friendship. Seyi Makinde is not my friend. We are all political associates. And there is no law that says political associates must remain together,” Wike stated.
Wike attributed their fallout to fundamental disagreements over party discipline and loyalty within the PDP. He vehemently denied allegations of betraying Makinde and other G5 governors, insisting he was the one who cautioned Makinde against actions that could harm the party.
Recalling a condolence visit after the death of Makinde’s brother, Wike revealed, “I told him, ‘Seyi, the way you are going, you will destroy the party… What do you want me to do? I have never, and cannot, betray anybody.’”
The FCT Minister also dismissed suggestions that their rift was fueled by rivalry over presidential ambitions, warning against the trivialization of leadership roles within the PDP.
