Isaac Samuel
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Thursday declared that the presidential ambition of Seyi Makinde is “dead on arrival”, amid growing political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Wike also dismissed reports of an alliance between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), describing the arrangement as “419”.
The minister spoke while inspecting ongoing road projects in Abuja, where he reacted to claims by a faction of the PDP led by Kabiru Turaki that the opposition party had entered into a political understanding with the APM ahead of the next general election.
Makinde had defended the arrangement, arguing that it would provide a platform for the PDP to field candidates for elective positions nationwide in 2027.
However, Wike rejected the claim, insisting that no alliance exists between the PDP and any other political party.
“That’s the 419 we are talking about. INEC also knows that there is no such thing as PDP-APM alliance,” he said.
The former Rivers State governor argued that the ongoing activities within the PDP showed the party was operating independently.
“PDP has presented a presidential candidate. Watch out to see the name of the candidate who will be submitted to INEC and see whether there is anything called PDP-APM,” Wike stated.
He accused Makinde of allegedly using the APM platform to advance his presidential ambition.
“What you have is Seyi Makinde joining APM to be able to actualise his presidential ambition, which is already dead on arrival,” he added.
Wike also noted that Bala Mohammed did not mention any alliance involving the PDP and APM when he joined the political movement.
The latest remarks by the FCT minister come amid worsening divisions within the opposition camp, particularly between supporters of Makinde and loyalists of Wike, as permutations ahead of the 2027 elections continue to intensify.
The controversy began after the Turaki-led faction of the PDP announced a political understanding with the APM, claiming the arrangement would help the opposition field candidates across the country in the next general elections.
Makinde subsequently declared interest in the 2027 presidential race and reportedly backed the PDP-APM arrangement as a strategic political vehicle ahead of the polls.
