Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, on Thursday dismissed reports of an alliance between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), branding the claim as “419 politics” and accusing Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, of deceiving Nigerians.
Wike, who spoke during the inspection of ongoing road projects in Abuja, insisted that no agreement existed between the PDP and APM 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 fired.
The former Rivers State governor said the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the PDP leadership were fully aware that there was no coalition involving the two parties.
“There’s no alliance between PDP and Allied Peoples Movement (APM) or any other political party. INEC also knows that there’s nothing called PDP-APM alliance,” he declared.
According to him, PDP remained intact and focused on its internal processes, including the screening of aspirants.
“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 said.
Wike accused Makinde of allegedly pursuing his presidential ambition through the APM platform.
“What you have is Seyi Makinde joining APM to actualise his presidential ambition, which is already dead on arrival,” he said.
He added that Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, had never spoken about any alliance with APM, insisting that the coalition story was fabricated.
“It’s unfortunate. We know that has been his game plan and we would say he cannot fly the flag of PDP,” Wike added.
The minister also reacted to comments credited to the Governor of Rivers State concerning his continued membership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying there was no reason to pity him.
“Sorry for what? Why are you saying problem when nobody has told you he has a problem?” Wike asked journalists.
“The man has told you he still remains APC. So what is the problem now?”
He maintained that whatever issues existed within the APC remained the ruling party’s internal affair.
“Ask me about PDP, I will answer you. Assuming he has a problem, it’s their internal affairs,” he said.
On infrastructure, Wike expressed satisfaction with the progress of the ongoing Gomani-Yangoji road project in the FCT, saying the Tinubu administration was committed to taking development to satellite communities.
He recalled that President Bola Tinubu had directed the FCT Administration not to focus development only within Abuja city.
“We must open up all the satellite towns in order to discourage rural-urban migration,” Wike stated.
He explained that the 13-kilometre road project was being handled by Zeberced Construction Company, the same firm that completed the A2-Pai road earlier inaugurated by President Tinubu.
Wike said the project had reached an advanced stage, with bridge construction completed and drainage works almost finished.
“The bridge had been launched, the drainages have been done up to 90 to 95 per cent and they are now building the streetlight pillars,” he said.
The minister disclosed that the road would be inaugurated in June as part of activities marking President Tinubu’s third year in office.
He commended the contractor for delivering quality work and keeping to schedule.
“I commend the contractor, Zeberced, not only for providing quality jobs, but also keeping to the timeline. I’m happy,” Wike said.
He added that the President would be delighted to see development spreading across satellite towns in the FCT.
