By Philip Yatai
Port Harcourt, Dec. 29, 2025 (NAN)
The simmering tensions within Nigeria’s main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), have erupted into a fresh public feud. The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Nyesom Wike, has issued a forceful denial of allegations made by Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, accusing him of promising to “hold” the PDP for President Bola Tinubu.
Wike’s rebuttal came during his comprehensive end-of-year media chat in Port Harcourt on Monday, an event that has become a significant platform for the outspoken politician to address national issues. The allegation, as reported by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), stems from Governor Makinde’s recent comments to journalists. Makinde claimed that during a 2024 visit to the Presidential Villa, Wike assured President Tinubu he would “hold PDP” for him—a phrase loaded with political meaning, suggesting a deliberate effort to weaken the opposition from within for the ruling party’s benefit.
In his detailed response, Wike categorically rejected this narrative. He framed the contested meeting not as a political conspiracy, but as a gesture of support for the nation’s leadership. “The meeting had nothing to do with the PDP,” Wike asserted, “but was meant to show support for Tinubu’s leadership and assure him of continued cooperation.” He emphasized that his political alignment with President Tinubu, which dates back to the contentious 2023 elections and his role in the rebel G-5 governors’ group, has always been transparent. “Everyone knows my position on Tinubu. I don’t need a meeting to tell him that,” he stated, framing the allegation as an unnecessary dramatization of a well-known political reality.
However, Wike’s explanation went beyond mere denial, delving into the underlying grievances fueling the conflict. He positioned himself as a pragmatic leader within the G-5 faction, stating, “as a minister, I had a responsibility to ensure that members of the G-5 group benefitted from the Tinubu administration in one way or another.” This comment highlights the ongoing challenge within Nigerian politics of balancing party loyalty with the practical need to secure federal projects and appointments for one’s constituency or political allies.
The FCT Minister then turned the tables, suggesting Governor Makinde’s accusation was born of personal disappointment. He alleged that Makinde was “displeased because Tinubu did not approve his nominee for a ministerial appointment.” To further illustrate his point, Wike claimed a disparity in federal support, noting he had “not received the level of support Makinde allegedly got from Tinubu.” He specifically pointed to the reported N50 billion grant for victims of the tragic Bodija explosion in Ibadan, implying preferential treatment.
In a swift counter, Makinde’s camp, through his Special Adviser on Media, Dr. Suleimon Olanrewaju, clarified the financial details. Olanrewaju stated that only N30 billion was released, with a portion paid directly to victims as immediate relief and the balance earmarked for rebuilding. This clarification did not satisfy Wike, who pivoted to a critique of governance and accountability. He maintained that “the Oyo governor owed residents a duty to account for how the funds were spent,” adding that “such expenditure should have been properly appropriated before disbursement.” This shift frames the dispute not just as a personal spat, but as a debate over fiscal responsibility and transparency in the use of public disaster funds.
Analysis & Broader Context: This exchange is more than a war of words; it is a symptom of the deep existential crisis facing the PDP. The party has struggled to present a united front since the 2023 elections, with the G-5’s actions fundamentally altering its dynamics. Accusations of “holding” the party for the APC strike at the heart of internal distrust, questioning whether key figures are working for opposition victory or personal gain within the ruling structure. For President Tinubu’s administration, such public divisions within the main opposition can be politically advantageous, potentially leading to a fragmented and less effective challenge. This episode underscores the complex, often blurred lines between opposition politics, cross-party alliances, and the governance imperatives of a ruling party in Nigeria’s fluid political landscape.
Edited by Abiemwense Moru
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