THE Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has dismissed the presidential ambition of Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, describing it as “dead on arrival.”
Wike made the remark today while addressing journalists during an inspection of ongoing road projects in Abuja, shortly after Makinde declared his intention to contest the presidency.
The Oyo governor had announced his ambition during a joint mega rally organised by the Peoples Democratic Party and the Allied Peoples Movement in Ibadan, where he criticised the state of the nation and accused government officials of neglecting the welfare of Nigerians.
Reacting to the development, Wike rejected reports suggesting the existence of a political alliance between the PDP and the APM, describing the claims as misleading and fraudulent.
According to the FCT minister, the Independent National Electoral Commission has no record of any formal coalition or memorandum of understanding between the two parties.
He argued that the PDP remains independent in its preparations for the 2027 elections.
Wike also pointed to the screening of aspirants by the Abdulrahman Mohammed-led PDP faction as proof that the party is operating on its own and not in partnership with the APM.
He further alleged that Makinde’s political strategy was centred around using the APM platform to pursue his presidential ambition, insisting that the move would not succeed.
The former Rivers State governor maintained that the PDP would eventually field its own presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections and urged Nigerians to ignore speculations about any merger arrangement.
Referring to Makinde’s political aspirations, Wike stated that the Oyo governor would not emerge as the PDP’s presidential flag bearer.
He also mentioned Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, noting that discussions about a PDP–APM alliance never came up during party consultations.
When asked about internal issues within the All Progressives Congress, Wike declined to comment, saying party disputes should remain internal matters.
Earlier during the inspection tour, the minister expressed satisfaction with the progress of the 13-kilometre Gomani–Yangoji road project in Abuja.
He said the road was expected to be inaugurated as part of activities marking President Bola Tinubu’s third year in office.
Wike added that the project aligns with the Federal Government’s plan to expand infrastructure development to satellite communities in a bid to reduce rural-urban migration and improve connectivity outside major city centres.
