The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Monday night criticised Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, urging caution against taking on political fights without the ability to sustain them.
Wike made the remarks during the 107th National Executive Committee meeting of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The comments follow Makinde’s claim that politicians aligned with Wike’s faction of the PDP were supporting the re-election of President Bola Tinubu.
Makinde had said during a closed-door meeting with Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed and Senator Seriake Dickson that he attended a session with Wike and the President, where Wike allegedly promised to “hold the PDP” for Tinubu ahead of 2027.
Responding, Wike dismissed Makinde’s claims as misleading, saying, “It is unfortunate that a fight you cannot fight, you started. Politics is not contract work.”
He also drew a distinction between politics and private business interests, adding, “You wanted money; I wanted power. Stay where you are as a contractor.”
The FCT minister cautioned party members against unnecessary confrontations, stressing that political success relies on strategy rather than rhetoric. Ahead of the PDP national convention scheduled for March 29–30, Wike urged members to show loyalty and commitment. “After this NEC meeting, anybody who doesn’t show commitment to the convention should not come back afterwards and say they are fully back. I will not accept that,” he said.
He concluded by calling for unity within the party, encouraging leaders to prioritise reconciliation and sincerity among members.
