By Chimdiogo Amuh 

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has denied claims that he promised President Bola Tinubu to “hold down” the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Wike’s rebuttal follows allegations by Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, who claimed that the former Rivers State governor made the pledge during a private meeting with President Tinubu. The allegation has further deepened internal tensions within the PDP.

Speaking during an end-of-the-year media chat on Monday, Wike described Makinde’s claim as false and unfounded, insisting that no such promise was ever made. He questioned the basis of the allegation and the purpose of the alleged meeting in which such a statement was said to have occurred.

Wike also faulted Makinde for not raising the issue earlier if it were true, asking why the Oyo State governor waited until now to make the claim public.

Clarifying the circumstances, Wike said there was no exclusive or secret meeting with the president. According to him, the visit took place after the 2023 general elections and involved several PDP governors and former governors, including Samuel Ortom, Okezie Ikpeazu and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, alongside Makinde.

He stressed that the visit was not pre-arranged to undermine the PDP and that the president’s Chief of Staff was present throughout the interaction.

Describing the allegation as “totally unfair,” Wike suggested that Makinde was acting out of frustration and advised him to pursue his political ambitions within the established norms of party politics.

The controversy arose after Makinde, during a media engagement last week, claimed that Wike had voluntarily offered to weaken the PDP in support of Tinubu’s political interests. Makinde also stated that he regretted backing Tinubu in the 2023 elections and ruled out supporting him in 2027, citing concerns over the future of Nigeria’s democracy.