FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has declared that Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde's presidential ambition is finished before it even starts, accusing him of being part of what he calls a fraudulent political alliance.
Wike made the dismissal while speaking on the alleged partnership between the Peoples Democratic Party and the African Progressive Movement, a smaller political outfit. He said the arrangement was nothing more than a scam designed to deceive Nigerians.
The minister did not hold back in his criticism of Makinde, suggesting that any hopes the governor harboured of reaching Nigeria's highest office were baseless. Wike's comments reflect the deepening tensions within the PDP, where powerful figures have been at odds over the party's direction and leadership.
Makinde, who has been mentioned in some circles as a possible presidential contender, has not publicly declared his intention to run for the nation's top job. However, his political movements and associations have fuelled speculation about his ambitions.
Wike's intervention signals that some party heavyweights are determined to shape the narrative around who can or cannot lead the PDP into future elections. The FCT minister has been a vocal player in party politics since his emergence as a prominent figure in the administration.
The PDP has faced internal strife in recent months, with various power brokers pushing different agendas. Wike's latest outburst adds another layer to the ongoing friction within the opposition party.
It remains unclear whether Makinde will respond to Wike's remarks or continue with his political activities without addressing the criticism directly. The coming weeks will likely reveal more about the political calculations of both men and their supporters.
