The feud between FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde took another turn on Monday December 29, 2025, as Wike directly accused Makinde of souring relations due to frustration over a denied ministerial nomination.
In a widely circulated media chat, Wike dismissed Makinde’s recent allegations that he had pledged to “hold down” the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections, calling them a “blatant lie.”
“Seyi Makinde’s problem was that he was not given a ministerial slot,” Wike stated bluntly, suggesting the governor’s criticisms stem from personal disappointment rather than ideological differences.
The exchange marks the latest chapter in the deepening crisis within the PDP, which has seen rival factions emerge amid disputes over party leadership and alliances.
Makinde had earlier claimed during a media interaction that he was shocked when Wike allegedly volunteered during a meeting with President Tinubu to undermine the PDP for the president’s re-election bid.
The Oyo governor insisted he would not support Tinubu in 2027, emphasizing the need for a strong opposition to prevent Nigeria from drifting into a one-party state.
Wike, however, denied the claims and questioned Makinde’s motives, noting that the governor had never referred to him simply as “Wike” before and implying political ambitions behind the attacks.
The ministerial slot issue traces back to reports that President Tinubu rejected Makinde’s nominee for a cabinet position from Oyo State, a move that sources close to Wike’s camp say fueled the governor’s shift away from supporting the administration.
Earlier, Wike’s media aide, Lere Olayinka, had made similar accusations, stating that Makinde would still be praising Tinubu if his preferred nominee had been appointed.
As the PDP grapples with internal divisions, including disputed conventions and legal battles over leadership, the public spat between the two former allies highlights growing tensions that could impact the party’s unity heading into future elections.
Neither camp has indicated willingness for reconciliation, with observers warning that the rift risks further weakening the opposition.