FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, has pushed back against claims that Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, is eyeing the 2027 presidency.
The former Rivers State Governor also made it clear that he does not consider Makinde a personal friend.
Wike spoke on Channels Television on Monday as he explained that whatever issues he has with Makinde are about discipline in the Peoples Democratic Party, not personal rivalry.
Reacting to comments linking their rift to a presidential bid, Wike laughed off the suggestion.
“What’s that? We are talking about a breath of fresh air, you are talking about crap. What do you mean by not being happy for him to be a presidential candidate? Let us not trivialise this,” he said.
He stressed that political leadership is not something anyone should rush into.
“No, please, don’t get me wrong. It’s not about being a PhD holder, an engineer or a lawyer. No, that’s not it. It is not about waking up in the morning and saying I want to be a presidential candidate. No,” he stated.
Wike questioned those pushing for leadership without stabilising the party.
“Which of them has contributed to the PDP more than me, even up till now?” he asked.
On whether his relationship with Makinde has collapsed, Wike insisted there was never a personal friendship.
“What do you mean by friends? No, he was my colleague. We belong to the same political party, not friendship. We are all political associates. And there is no law that says political associates must remain together,” he said.
He added that his issue with Makinde centers on obeying party rules and protecting PDP’s structure.
“When his senior brother died, I went with ex-Governor Ortom, Ugwuanyi of Enugu, and the former governor of Abia and Senator Ohuabunwa to pay him a condolence visit. I told him, ‘Seyi, the way you are going, you will destroy the party.’”
Wike also dismissed claims of betrayal among the former G-5 governors and said Makinde never informed him of any presidential ambition.
Looking ahead, Wike said talks about 2027 are premature. The priority, according to him, is rebuilding PDP and conducting necessary party congresses.
“Well, let us get to convention first now. We are still trying to see how we can elect a National Working Committee before we can talk about the National Convention,” he noted.
