By wumi Tewogbade, Abuja

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, on Thursday dismissed reports of an alleged alliance between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), describing the claim as “Political 419.”

Speaking with journalists, during an inspection of ongoing road projects in Gomani-Yangoje , Kwali Area Council, Abuja, Wike accused Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, of misleading Nigerians with claims of a PDP-APM alliance ahead of the 2027 elections.

“When I say people are fraudulent, they thought I was joking. And that’s the 419 we are talking about,” Wike declared.

He said both the PDP and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were not aware of the existence of such alliance.

“There’s no alliance between PDP and Allied Peoples Movement (APM) or any other political party, as the case may be. INEC also knows that there’s nothing called PDP-APM alliance,” he stated.

According to him, ongoing political activities within the PDP, including the screening of aspirants, clearly showed that the party remained independent and had not entered into any coalition arrangement.

“PDP has presented a presidential candidate and watch out who will be submitted to INEC and see whether there’s anything called PDP-APM,” he added.

Wike further alleged that Makinde was pursuing his personal presidential ambition through the APM platform.

“What you have is Seyi Makinde joining APM to be able to actualize his presidential ambition, which is already dead on arrival,” the minister said.

He insisted that Governor Bala Mohammed had never spoken of any PDP-APM alliance, adding that the narrative was merely a political imagination.

“It’s unfortunate. We know that has been his game plan and we would say he cannot fly the flag of PDP,” Wike said.

The minister also reacted to comments credited to the Governor of Rivers State concerning his continued membership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying the governor has not told anyone to pity him.

“Sorry for what? Why are you saying problem when nobody has told you he has a problem?” Wike asked.

“The man has told you he still remains APC. So what is the problem now?”

He maintained that issues concerning the governor’s standing within the APC remained the party’s internal affair.

“Ask me about PDP, I will answer you. Because how will you ask me whatever happens? Assuming he has a problem, it’s their internal affairs,” he stated.

By Wumi Tewogbade Abuja

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed insinuations following his recent visit to the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, stating that he does not practice “politics of enmity”.

Speaking with newsmen during a project inspection on Wednesday, Wike clarified that his interaction with the APC chairman was a matter of personal association and professional courtesy rather than a formal political meeting.

The Minister had inspected the ongoing construction of roads in Karu, Apo-Karshi and Kubwa, to ensure completion as scheduled.

Responding to questions regarding the lack of a formal briefing after the visit, the Minister maintained that he is under no obligation to disclose details of his private life or social interactions.

Wike argued that every individual has the freedom to associate with others regardless of political affiliations.

He maintained that the visit was private, questioning why such a personal act should be announced to the “whole world”.

He rejected the idea that members of different political parties, such as the APC and PDP, should avoid each other.

Wike reminded reporters of his long-standing relationship with Yilwatda, noting that both had served as colleagues when was a minister.

“We’re all colleagues before he left for the chairmanship of APC. So what I should do anytime I see him is to hide? Anytime he sees me, he should run away so people will not say something?”

He explained that the visit was a reciprocal gesture after Yilwatda had made several unsuccessful attempts to see him at his office.

Wike noted that as a busy minister, he often receives many visitors, and since the APC Chairman could not secure an appointment at the office, he opted to visit the APC chairman at his residence to hear what he had to say.

The Minister emphasized that his primary concern remained the fulfillment of his duties and the satisfaction of his “appointor”.

He stated that he remained indifferent to public perception or “what somebody on the road is thinking” as long as he is carrying out his assigned tasks dutifully.

“What’s important to me is what I’m doing for my people,” Wike concluded, asserting that the results of his work hold more weight than political speculation.

_Mass exit over alleged imposition signals deepening cracks in umbrella party ahead of governorship race

By Felix Umande from Makurdi

The political landscape in Benue State shifted sharply on Monday as entire Peoples Democratic Party structures in Gboko Local Government Area defected en masse to the Social Democratic Party, citing frustration over the PDP’s handling of its 2027 governorship ticket.

Leading the exodus was the PDP Chairman of Mbatan Ward, Hon. Ikese Ayisa, who moved to the SDP alongside his full executive committee.

The group said the move was in solidarity with Prof. Sebastine Hon SAN, the SDP’s declared candidate for the 2027 Benue governorship election.

“We can no longer remain in a party where tickets are unilaterally and undemocratically awarded by one person without the sanctity of the vote, and other party decisions are taken without regard for the people at the grassroots,” Ayisa said during the defection ceremony.

“Our loyalty is to a candidate who understands the law, understands governance, and has shown commitment to Benue people.”

The trend extended beyond ward executives. Last week, Barr. Williams Agbatar, a former Commissioner for Industry and Cooperative, announced his resignation from the PDP in Mbayongo Ward, Vandeikya LGA. Agbatar accused the party leadership of sidelining popular sentiment by handing the governorship ticket to Chief Michael Aondoakaa SAN.

“The umbrella party has failed to listen to the voice of the people. Allocating the ticket to Chief Aondoakaa, who many consider unpopular, is a disservice to PDP members and to Benue State,” he said.

He described his exit as a protest against “imposition and disregard for internal democracy” and pledged to work with the SDP to provide a credible alternative in 2027.

Political observers say the defections could weaken the PDP’s structure in Benue North-West and other parts of the state, where Hon’s legal background and advocacy work have earned him significant following.

“This is not just about one ward,” said a political analyst who requested anonymity. “When ward executives and former commissioners move together, it tells you there’s a breakdown in trust. If the PDP does not manage this quickly, it risks losing more structures to the SDP.”

The SDP has been positioning itself as the main alternative ahead of 2027. Prof. Hon, a renowned legal practitioner and philanthropist, formally declared his aspiration earlier this year and has been consolidating support across the state.

With months to go before the 2027 polls, the early realignments suggest a fiercely contested race. For now, the SDP appears to be the immediate beneficiary of the PDP’s internal disagreements, while the umbrella party faces the challenge of managing dissent and holding its structures together.