The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has strongly criticised the presidential ambition of Seyi Makinde, describing it as “dead on arrival.”

Wike made the remarks on Thursday while addressing journalists during an inspection of ongoing road construction projects in Gomani-Yangoje, located within Kwali Area Council of Abuja.

The comments came shortly after Makinde reportedly declared his intention to pursue the presidency under the platform of the Allied Peoples Movement following political realignments involving factions within the opposition.

Seyi Makinde Officially Declares 2027 Presidential Ambition

According to reports, Makinde’s presidential move followed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between his faction of the Peoples Democratic Party and the Allied Peoples Movement.

Reacting to the development, Wike alleged that the Oyo governor’s alignment with the APM was solely aimed at advancing his presidential ambition outside the PDP structure.

The former Rivers State governor insisted that Makinde would not be allowed to emerge as a presidential candidate under the PDP platform.

Wike stated that political actors within the party were already aware of Makinde’s strategy and dismissed the project as politically unrealistic.

The remarks further deepen the widening divisions within the PDP, where internal rivalries and factional disagreements have continued to shape political alignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Political observers say the public exchange highlights the ongoing power struggle among influential opposition figures seeking dominance within Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.

During the interaction with journalists, Wike also addressed questions surrounding the political status of Siminalayi Fubara within the All Progressives Congress.

The minister dismissed concerns about Fubara’s continued association with the APC, insisting that the matter remained an internal issue for the ruling party.

Wike questioned why people were speculating about problems involving the Rivers governor when Fubara himself had publicly reaffirmed his loyalty to the APC.

According to him, issues relating to the governor’s position within the ruling party should be handled internally by APC stakeholders rather than outsiders.

The FCT minister maintained that he would only directly address matters concerning the PDP, distancing himself from internal affairs within the APC.

Wike’s comments followed recent remarks by Governor Fubara, who publicly denied rumours suggesting that he had abandoned the APC.

The Rivers State governor reportedly reaffirmed his commitment to the ruling party after inspecting the reconstructed Rivers State Psychiatric Hospital, which has now been remodelled into a general hospital in Rumuigbo, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.

Fubara stated that social media reports alleging his exit from the APC were false and misleading.

His declaration comes amid continued political tension in Rivers State and growing national attention over shifting alliances ahead of the 2027 elections.

The latest developments involving Wike, Makinde, and Fubara underscore the increasing political manoeuvring already shaping preparations for the next presidential election cycle.

Analysts believe the emergence of new alliances, coalition talks, and inter-party negotiations could significantly influence the structure of opposition politics in Nigeria over the coming months.

Within both the PDP and APC, internal disputes over leadership, candidate positioning, and succession calculations continue to intensify as major political figures seek strategic advantage ahead of 2027.