FCT Minister Nyesom Wike Dismisses "Hold Down PDP" Allegations; Labels Governor Makinde’s Claims as Frustrated Politics

FCT Minister Nyesom Wike Dismisses "Hold Down PDP" Allegations; Labels Governor Makinde’s Claims as Frustrated Politics

PORT HARCOURT, RIVERS STATE — December 29, 2025 — The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has categorically denied allegations by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde that he promised to "hold down" the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking during an end-of-year media chat in Port Harcourt, the Minister described Governor Makinde’s claims as a "blatant lie" and a fabrication stemming from political frustration.

Rebuttal of Secret Agreements

Minister Wike clarified that while a post-election courtesy visit to President Tinubu did take place—attended by himself, former Governors Samuel Ortom, Okezie Ikpeazu, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, and Governor Makinde—at no point was a commitment made to suppress the opposition party.

"There was no such meeting," Wike stated. "It is completely out of place for anybody to say that in that meeting, I told Mr. President I would hold PDP down for him. That is very, very unfair".

On Political Frustration and 2027 Ambitions

The Minister attributed the Governor’s recent comments to his own unannounced presidential ambitions and a lack of political experience. He noted that Governor Makinde’s "frustration" is evident and suggested his claims are an attempt to deflect from his failure to secure ministerial nominations and his role in the PDP’s ongoing internal crisis.

"If you watch Seyi Makinde, you can see frustration," Wike added. "This is a young man we have advised several times that politics is not like dealing with contractors. It has different rules".

Commitment to President Tinubu

Reaffirming his public stance, Minister Wike declared his unwavering support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu through 2031. He emphasized that his loyalty is based on character and integrity, rather than clandestine deals.

"My political direction is well-known and transparent," the Minister said. "I have stated clearly that from now till 2031, I stand firmly with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu".

Call for Party Discipline

Addressing the state of the PDP, the Minister urged party leaders to focus on resolving internal leadership and disciplinary issues according to established rules rather than blaming external forces for their challenges.