Governor Seyi Makinde
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has taken a swipe at Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, warning against initiating political confrontations without the strength to sustain them.
Wike made the remarks on Monday during the 107th National Executive Committee meeting of the Peoples Democratic Party, amid rising tensions within the party.
The clash follows comments by Makinde, who had alleged that politicians aligning with Wike’s faction were indirectly backing the re-election bid of President Bola Tinubu ahead of 2027.
Makinde made the claim during a closed-door meeting with Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed and Bayelsa West Senator Seriake Dickson, where he suggested that Wike had pledged to “hold the PDP” for the President.
Responding, Wike dismissed the allegation as misleading and criticised Makinde for what he described as an ill-considered political move.
“It is unfortunate that a fight you cannot sustain, you started. Politics is not contract work,” Wike said.
In a pointed remark widely seen as a jab, he added, “You wanted money; I wanted power. Stay where you are as a contractor.”
Wike further cautioned party members against unnecessary political battles, stressing that success in politics requires strategy, discipline, and loyalty rather than mere rhetoric.
With the PDP’s national convention slated for March 29–30, the minister warned that members who fail to demonstrate commitment to the process risk being excluded from the party’s future structure.
He, however, called for unity and genuine reconciliation within the party, urging stakeholders to put aside personal differences in the interest of strengthening the PDP ahead of future elections.
