Makinde’s Presidential Bid Dead On Arrival – Wike

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Thursday dismissed claims of an alliance between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Allied Peoples Movement (APDM) ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He described the arrangement as “419”.

Wike also declared that the presidential ambition of Governor Seyi Makinde was “dead on arrival”.

The minister spoke while inspecting ongoing road projects in Abuja.

He was reacting to recent claims by a faction of the PDP led by Kabiru Turaki that it had entered into an alliance with the APM ahead of the next general election.

Makinde had reportedly argued that the alliance would provide a platform for the PDP to field candidates for all elective positions in 2027.

But Wike rejected the claim, insisting that no such political arrangement 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.

According to him, the ongoing screening of aspirants by the faction of the PDP led by Abdulrahman Mohammed was enough indication that 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 said.

The former Rivers State governor accused Makinde of allegedly using the APM platform to pursue 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 further noted that Bala Mohammed made no mention of any alliance involving the PDP and APM when he joined the political movement.

The latest outburst by Wike is coming amid a worsening leadership crisis within the opposition Makinde camp and the faction loyal to the FCT minister ahead of the 2027 elections.

The controversy began after a faction of the PDP led by Turaki announced a political understanding with the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), claiming the arrangement would help the opposition field candidates across the country in 2027.

Makinde subsequently declared interest in the 2027 presidential race and reportedly backed the PDP-APM arrangement as a viable political vehicle ahead of the polls.