I Don’t Need Any Meeting to Declare My Support for Tinubu – Wike Replies Makinde

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has stated clearly that there is no ambiguity about his political position regarding President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, insisting that he does not require any special meeting to declare where his loyalty lies.

Wike made this known during an end-of-year media interaction held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where he addressed several political issues, including recent comments made by Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde. According to Wike, Nigerians are already well aware of his political alignment, especially concerning his support for President Tinubu’s administration.

The FCT Minister was reacting to claims credited to Governor Makinde, who had earlier alleged that Wike, during a visit to the Presidential Villa in 2024, told President Tinubu that he would “hold the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)” for him. Wike firmly rejected this claim, describing it as inaccurate and misleading.

Clarifying the circumstances surrounding the meeting with the President, Wike explained that the visit had no connection whatsoever with the internal affairs or control of the PDP. Instead, he noted that the engagement was purely a show of support for the President’s leadership and governance direction.

Wike emphasized that his stance on Tinubu has never been hidden, adding that there was no need for a private discussion to express his support. He maintained that his political position has always been open and consistent, making any suggestion of secret commitments unnecessary.

In his words, Wike stressed that as a serving minister in the Tinubu administration, he carries the responsibility of ensuring that members of the G-5 group are not sidelined and that they benefit from the federal government’s policies and opportunities in one way or another.

The former Rivers State governor also turned his attention to governance issues in Oyo State, stating that Governor Makinde has an obligation to be transparent with the people of the state. Wike pointed specifically to the ₦50 billion intervention fund reportedly released by the Tinubu administration following the January 2024 explosion in the Bodija area of Ibadan.

According to Wike, such a significant sum of public funds should be properly accounted for, noting that due process requires the money to be formally appropriated before expenditure. He insisted that residents of Oyo State deserve a clear explanation on how the funds were utilized.

Wike’s comments highlight ongoing political tensions within opposition ranks while also underscoring broader concerns about accountability, transparency, and political alignment in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.