Abuja, March 24, 2026 – Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, on Monday night criticised Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, asserting that the governor had embarked on a political battle beyond his capacity to conclude.
Speaking at the 107th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Wike mocked Makinde’s reliance on contracts and court orders, stating, “Politics and Shell contracts are not the same thing.”
The NEC meeting, which serves as the party’s final leadership review ahead of the March 29–30 elective convention, also adopted a resolution for unity, embracing a “no victor, no vanquished” approach to address internal divisions.
In a communiqué issued after the session, the NEC ratified reports from the recently concluded ward, local government, state, and zonal congresses. The document was signed by Alhaji Abdulrahman Mohammed and Senator Samuel Anyanwu, Chairman and Secretary of the party’s National Caretaker Working Committee, respectively.
Party leaders described the congresses as transparent and credible, highlighting the PDP’s organisational stability. Chairman Abdulrahman Mohammed praised Wike’s “doggedness and uncommon sacrifices” for sustaining party structures and restoring confidence within the party.
“We have made significant progress in restoring confidence. Through collective resolve and maturity, we can now say the PDP remains one indivisible family,” Mohammed said.
The NEC confirmed arrangements based on the party’s principles of equity and national balance. Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, urged members to accept zoning recommendations, stressing that while no system satisfies everyone, the “greater good of the party” must come first. Ohuabunwa also highlighted the ongoing electronic membership registration as a critical step toward modernising the party.
The NEC announced the convention theme as: “A Convention of Inclusiveness, Unity and Renewal.” Legislative leaders, including Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro and House Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda, encouraged discipline among members, noting that the PDP is now well-positioned as a strong alternative for Nigerians. The leadership directed all convention committees to ensure a seamless exercise, preparing the party to provide “purposeful leadership and national direction” ahead of the 2027 elections.
Wike Targets Makinde
Wike, who received recognition from party leaders for stabilising the PDP, warned against “ticket-seekers” who show commitment only when seeking the party platform. He specifically addressed Makinde, saying:
“It is unfortunate; a fight you cannot fight, you started. I didn’t want to be a contractor; I wanted power. You wanted money. You had a contract of over $1.7 million. Stay there as a contractor. Contract and politics are not the same thing. You can see the difference now.”
He further noted that Makinde could not claim judicial influence, given that the Oyo governor had also secured a favourable court injunction in Ibadan.
Wike issued a stern warning to party members who remain non-committal, insisting that those who fail to fully support the convention should not expect a warm reception afterward. He emphasised that politicians must defend their positions rather than misleading constituents for votes.
The minister encouraged aspirants and members not to be intimidated by the absence of a governor or “federal might,” drawing on his experience of winning the Rivers State governorship without support from the then-sitting governor. Wike stressed that genuine connection with the people outweighs financial influence.
“Money is not everything in this world; money has limitations. Remove fear from your body. The moment you have fear, you have already failed. Believe that you have the capacity to do this, and you can do it,” he said.
Wike Criticises Makinde as PDP Gears Up for National Convention
