Wike says Makinde’s presidential ambition dead on arrival

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared that the presidential ambition of Seyi Makinde is “dead on arrival,” following the Oyo State governor’s decision to pursue the presidency under the platform of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM).

Makinde had earlier on Thursday formally declared his intention to contest for the presidency in Ibadan, Oyo State, citing a new political alignment between his faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and APM. The declaration followed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two groups.

However, Wike, speaking to journalists during an inspection of ongoing road projects in Gomani-Yangoje, Kwali Area Council of Abuja, dismissed the move as politically unviable.

“What you have is Seyi Makinde joining APM to be able to actualize his presidential ambition, which is already dead on arrival,” Wike said. “It’s unfortunate. We know that has been his game plan and we would say he cannot fly the flag of PDP.”

Wike also refuted suggestions that the PDP leadership had endorsed or discussed any formal alliance with APM. He specifically referenced Bala Mohammed, noting that the Bauchi State governor had never publicly spoken about a PDP–APM coalition.

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According to Wike, narratives surrounding a broader alliance were “political imagination” and not reflective of any official party consensus.

The remarks highlight deepening fissures within the PDP, as internal realignments and factional politics continue to shape the build-up to the next general election cycle.

The FCT minister also addressed comments attributed to Sim Fubara, Governor of Rivers State, concerning his political alignment and membership of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Responding to insinuations that Fubara’s situation warranted sympathy, Wike dismissed the narrative.

“Sorry for what? Why are you saying you have a problem when nobody has told you he has a problem?” Wike queried. “The man has told you he still remains APC. So what is the problem now?”

Wike’s comments come amid ongoing political maneuvering within major opposition circles and shifting alliances ahead of future elections.

Analysts say Makinde’s decision to seek the presidency outside the PDP mainstream could reshape opposition dynamics, though questions remain about the electoral strength of smaller platforms such as APM at the national level.

Observers also note that Wike’s strong dismissal signals that internal power struggles within the PDP are far from settled, potentially setting the stage for further political realignments in the months ahead.