Wike Dismisses Makinde’s Presidential Bid, Rejects PDP–APM Alliance
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, , has described the presidential ambition of Oyo State Governor, , as “dead on arrival.”
Wike made the statement on Thursday while addressing journalists during an inspection of ongoing road projects in Abuja, shortly after Makinde declared his presidential ambition in Ibadan.
Speaking at a joint rally organised by the Peoples Democratic Party and the Allied Peoples Movement, Makinde said Nigeria’s condition had continued to worsen, leaving many citizens struggling daily to survive. He also accused public office holders of neglecting their responsibilities to the people.
Reacting to the development, Wike dismissed reports of a political alliance between the PDP and APM, describing the arrangement as deceptive and lacking official recognition.
“That’s the 419 we are talking about. INEC also knows that there is no such thing as a PDP-APM alliance,” he said.
The FCT minister accused some opposition politicians of misleading Nigerians by suggesting that both parties had entered into a formal agreement or memorandum of understanding.
According to him, the Independent National Electoral Commission has no record of any alliance between the two parties, insisting that the PDP remains independent in its preparations for the 2027 general elections.
Wike also pointed to the ongoing screening of aspirants by the Abdulrahman Mohammed-led PDP faction as evidence that the party was not operating within any coalition arrangement.
He alleged that the proposed alliance was part of Makinde’s strategy to advance his presidential ambition, which he insisted would fail.
“What you have is Seyi Makinde joining APM to be able to actualise his presidential ambition, which is already dead on arrival,” Wike stated.
He maintained that the PDP would field its own presidential candidate in 2027 and urged Nigerians to ignore rumours of a merger or coalition involving the party.
The minister further referenced Bauchi State Governor, , saying discussions within party circles had never included any proposed PDP–APM alliance.
“It’s unfortunate. We know that has been his game plan, and we would say he cannot fly the flag of PDP,” Wike added.
When questioned about internal issues within the ruling All Progressives Congress, Wike declined to comment, saying such matters were strictly the party’s internal affairs.
Earlier during the project inspection, Wike expressed satisfaction with the progress of the 13-kilometre Gomani-Yangoji road project, noting that it was expected to be inaugurated as part of activities marking President ’s third anniversary in office in June.
He explained that the project aligned with the Federal Government’s policy of extending infrastructure development to satellite communities in order to reduce rural-urban migration.
“Mr President directed that development should not be concentrated only in city centres. We must also open up satellite towns to discourage rural-urban migration,” Wike said.
