Makinde-Backed PDP Dismisses Wike’s Media Chat, Says Minister Can’t Be Party’s National Leader

The faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) aligned with Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has dismissed recent comments by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, describing them as baseless and a reflection of “political frustration.”

In a statement issued on Wednesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, the group criticised Wike’s remarks, alleging that his recent media outing was marked by “political rascality, moral emptiness, and crass opportunism.”

The statement said Wike’s comments did not warrant a direct response, describing them instead as his “political swan song” and “the last kicks of a dying horse.”

According to the faction, the minister used the platform to malign prominent Nigerians, adding that his conduct has become an embarrassment beyond the country.

“This statement is not a response to his tirade, which is indeed his political swan song,” the group said, while apologising to Nigerians for what it described as previously providing him with a platform to rise politically.

The PDP faction further advised individuals allegedly defamed by Wike to seek legal redress, stressing that no one should be above the law.

It also rejected any suggestion of Wike assuming a leadership position within the party, insisting that the office of “National Leader” does not exist in the PDP constitution.

“We sympathise with Wike for the pain associated with the realisation that he will not and can never be the National Leader of our party, as no such office exists in our constitution,” the statement added.

The group also addressed concerns raised by the minister regarding ongoing party activities, including the sale of nomination forms and preparations for primaries and a national convention.

It maintained that the processes would continue unhindered, noting that there was nothing Wike could do to stop them.

“The sale of forms is ongoing, and there is nothing Wike can do about it,” the statement said, dismissing alleged threats regarding banking arrangements as “delusional.”

On legal matters referenced by the minister, the faction said it was awaiting the Certified True Copies of court rulings and challenged Wike to publicly clarify the reliefs sought in the cross-appeals filed by his allies and the outcome of the judgments.

The group assured Nigerians that truth would prevail despite what it described as attempts to spread misinformation.

“There is no amount of threats that will frighten the truth. Though lies may travel faster, they will not diminish the impact of the truth when it emerges,” the statement said.