Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has clarified that Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, was never his close friend but merely a political associate.
Speaking during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Wike dismissed claims of a personal fallout with Makinde, emphasizing that their collaboration was strictly political.
“Seyi Makinde is not my friend. We were colleagues in the same political party. We are political associates, not friends. There is no law that says political associates must remain together,” Wike said.
Makinde was one of the G-5 governors who worked with Wike against PDP’s 2023 presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, but their alliance has since fractured.
Wike explained that the rift stemmed from disagreements over party discipline and governance principles, insisting he only offered guidance and remained loyal throughout their partnership.
“I warned him—‘Seyi, the way you are going, you will destroy the party.’ I told him to calm down and take things easy. I have never betrayed anybody and I will not. I only insisted that we obey party rules,” he said.
He recounted visiting Makinde to offer condolences after his brother’s passing, alongside former governors Samuel Ortom, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, and others, reinforcing that he acted in good faith.
The former Rivers governor further stated that leadership within the PDP should not be driven by desperation or ambition alone.
“You don’t just wake up and say you want to be a presidential candidate. If you are serious about leading, you will not allow the party to fall into crisis. Who has contributed more to the PDP than me?” Wike asked.
According to Wike, his disagreement with Makinde is not a personal feud but rooted in the need to protect the PDP’s structure and uphold internal discipline.
