... Rejects Fubara as Rivers APC leader
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has again denied claims by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde that he promised President Bola Tinubu to undermine the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the 2027 general election, describing the allegation as false and driven by political frustration.
Wike also dismissed reports that Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has emerged as the leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, insisting that party leadership is determined by grassroots structures and not by executive office.
Speaking on Monday during an end-of-year media interaction with journalists in Port Harcourt, the former Rivers governor addressed the deepening Rivers political crisis, the PDP’s internal wrangling, and his relationship with key political figures across party lines.
‘No such thing as APC leader by office’
Reacting to claims that Fubara is now the APC leader in Rivers following his defection, Wike said such narratives ignore how political parties are organised.
“There is nothing like ‘001’ in a party. You register in your ward, and authority flows from there. Becoming governor does not automatically make you leader of the party,” Wike said.
While acknowledging that governors often exercise influence within their parties, he stressed that leadership must be earned through political engagement and structure.
“Leadership is not because you are governor. You must have something that makes people follow you,” he added.
Wike said the political tension in Rivers State was largely due to broken trust over a peace agreement meant to reconcile Governor Fubara and the House of Assembly.
He accused the governor of misrepresenting reconciliation efforts, insisting that Fubara was present at meetings involving lawmakers and party elders.
“The governor cannot say there were no meetings between the speaker and the leadership of the House. He was there. I don’t like politicians who do not tell the truth,” he said.
He further criticised Fubara for failing to take basic political steps that could have reduced tensions. “There are things a serious politician does without being told - reaching out, showing appreciation, building bridges. Politics cannot be one-sided,” Wike stated.
‘Makinde’s claim is fabricated’
On the PDP controversy, Wike flatly rejected Makinde’s allegation that he told President Tinubu he would “hold down” the opposition party.
“That allegation is completely false. There was no such meeting,” Wike said.
He explained that the visit to the Presidential Villa referenced by Makinde occurred after the 2023 elections and involved himself, former governors Samuel Ortom, Okezie Ikpeazu and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, alongside Makinde.
“We went to see the president after the elections to discuss issues of national interest. There was nothing about holding PDP for anybody,” he said.
Wike questioned why Makinde failed to raise the allegation earlier if it were true. “If I had said such a thing, why didn’t he come out immediately to tell the party?” he asked.
He added that his support for Tinubu has never been secret and did not require any pledge behind closed doors. “Everybody knows where I stand politically. I don’t need to promise anyone anything,” he said.
‘Makinde is frustrated’
Wike further accused the Oyo governor of political frustration, claiming Makinde lacked the courage to openly declare his presidential ambition.
“There is nothing wrong with ambition, but ambition must follow the rules. He doesn’t even have the guts to come out and say he wants to run for president,” Wike said.
He likened politics to a complex system with established norms, warning that it should not be approached like private business dealings.
Ministerial slot, Bodija funds dispute
The FCT minister also alleged that Makinde’s grievance stemmed partly from President Tinubu’s refusal to approve his ministerial nominee.
He also referenced federal intervention funds released after the Bodija explosion in Ibadan, claiming Makinde benefitted significantly from Tinubu’s administration.
Makinde’s media aide, Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, had earlier clarified that N30 billion - not N50 billion - was released, noting that part of the funds went directly to victims while the balance was used for reconstruction.
However, Wike insisted that the Oyo State government owed residents a clear account of how the funds were spent, stressing that such expenditures should have been properly appropriated.
FCT performance, Tinubu loyalty
Wike also dismissed claims of a serious rift between himself and FCT Senator Ireti Kingibe, citing a letter in which she commended his efforts in rehabilitating major roads in Abuja.
He listed improvements in security, infrastructure and transportation in the FCT, acknowledging sanitation challenges caused by the termination of old contracts and ongoing procurement processes.
Wike reaffirmed his loyalty to President Tinubu and said he remains focused on governance, urging political actors to honour agreements and conduct politics with sincerity.
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