The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, has stated that the fallout among the group of five PDP governors known as the “G5” was driven by political principles, not personal betrayal or financial gain.
Speaking during his year-end media chat in Port Harcourt, Wike pushed back against the narrative that the group’s internal disagreement was motivated by personal vendetta or monetary inducement, describing such claims as “false and deliberately misleading.”
Founded on Principle, Divided by the Same
Wike clarified that the G5—comprising himself, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom, former Abia Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, and former Enugu Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi—was formed on a foundational political agreement within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
“We said it was only fair that the presidency should go to the South. That was the basis of our position,” Wike stated, reiterating the group’s stand on the contentious issue of zoning ahead of the 2023 election.
He insisted this shared commitment to “justice, equity and zoning” was the core of their alliance.
Denying Betrayal and “Secret Deals”
The minister directly addressed two prevalent accusations stemming from his support for President Bola Tinubu, the candidate of the rival All Progressives Congress (APC).
First, he rejected the notion that his backing of Tinubu was a betrayal, stating his position had been clear from the outset. “From day one, I made it clear that I would support the President,” he said. He linked this to his earlier denial of promising to “hold PDP” for Tinubu, asking, “How can I turn around and tell the same President that I would ‘hold PDP’ for him? It does not make sense.”
Second, Wike dismissed suggestions that his political choices were influenced by expectations of personal reward or financial benefit. “When people say I benefited, I ask: what exactly did I benefit? I did not collect money, and there was no secret deal,” he asserted.
A Call for Principle-Driven Politics
Concluding his remarks, Wike framed the disagreement as an inevitable result of sticking to political ideals. He argued that such differences should not be reduced to personal attacks.
“Politics should be about justice, fairness and the interest of the people, not personal ambition,” he said, urging political actors to separate governance from propaganda and focus on delivering value to citizens.
This latest explanation from Wike seeks to reframe the narrative around the G5’s disintegration, portraying it as an ideological split rather than a collapse fueled by personal grievances. The clarification comes amidst his ongoing, very public dispute with the national leadership of the PDP.
