Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike on Thursday dismissed the presidential ambition of Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde as “dead on arrival”, hours after the governor declared his intention to contest the 2027 election under the Allied Peoples Movement (APM).
Speaking in Abuja, Wike rejected claims of a political alliance between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the APM, describing the arrangement as fraudulent.
“That’s the 419 we are talking about. INEC also knows that there is no such thing as a PDP-APM alliance,” Wike said.
He said some opposition figures were misleading Nigerians with claims of a formal agreement between both parties. He maintained that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had no record of any alliance involving the PDP and APM, insisting that the opposition party remained independent in its electoral activities.
“The screening of aspirants by the Abdulrahman Mohammed PDP faction clearly indicates that the party is independent and not in any alliance,” he said.
Wike accused Makinde of using the APM platform to pursue his presidential ambition after allegedly failing to secure backing within the PDP.
The minister added that the PDP would field its own presidential candidate in the 2027 general election and urged Nigerians to disregard speculation about any merger or coalition.
Wike also referenced Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, saying no PDP-APM alliance was discussed during internal party consultations.
“It’s unfortunate. We know that has been his game plan, and we would say he cannot fly the flag of PDP,” Wike said.
Asked about developments within the ruling All Progressives Congress, Wike declined comment, saying party disputes were internal matters.
Makinde had earlier announced his presidential ambition at a joint rally of the PDP and APM in Ibadan, saying Nigeria’s situation had deteriorated and accusing government officials of neglecting citizens’ welfare