The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has once again dismissed allegations of “secret” or “backdoor” support for President Bola Tinubu, insisting that his backing of the current administration has always been transparent and based on national interest.
Speaking in the final days of December 2025, Wike responded to a fresh wave of political speculation, sparked in part by recent comments from his former ally, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, concerning his role in the 2027 presidential cycle.
Wike, known for his direct speaking style, clarified that his alignment with the President is neither a secret nor a betrayal of his political roots. He reiterated that he has no apologies for supporting Tinubu since the 2023 elections, stating that his decision was rooted in the principle of southern presidency and the “Renewed Hope” agenda.
He indirectly addressed rumors that he is “holding the PDP” for the President, dismissing such narratives as political blackmail. He emphasized that his primary focus remains the FCT’s infrastructure and the President’s mandate.
“I don’t do secret support. If I support you, I support you in the sun. If I don’t, I say it clearly. My support for President Tinubu is for the progress of Nigeria,” Wike reportedly stated during an inspection of ongoing projects in Abuja.
The latest debate was reignited by Governor Seyi Makinde, who recently told reporters that while he respects Wike’s right to choose his path, he (Makinde) would not be supporting Tinubu in 2027.
Makinde’s public “shock” at Wike’s alleged commitment to the President has intensified the divide within the G-5 group (the five governors who rebelled against the PDP leadership in 2023), suggesting that the alliance is now officially fractured ahead of the next election cycle.
As the 2026 political calendar approaches, Wike’s position remains a central point of gravity in Nigerian politics.
Notably, Wike has also pointed to the recent wave of PDP leaders defecting to the APC as “vindication.” He argued that many who criticized him initially are now realizing that the President’s “bold reforms” are the only viable path for the country’s economic recovery.
