### Tensions Rise in PDP as Wike Denies Makinde's Claims of a 2027 Deal with Tinubu The political landscape within Nigeria's Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is currently fraught with tension, particularly between key figures Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, and Seyi Makinde, the Governor of Oyo State. Wike has publicly refuted claims made by Makinde that he promised to "hold" the PDP for President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections, labeling these assertions as a "blatant lie" [https://dailypost.ng/2025/12/29/blatant-lie-from-makinde-wike-speaks-on-promising-to-hold-pdp-for-tinubu]. This dispute highlights the ongoing rift within the PDP and raises questions about the party's future direction as the next election approaches. ### Breakdown of the Dispute and Its Implications 1. **Claims and Counterclaims**: - Wike has categorically denied Makinde's allegations, asserting that no such promise was made during their discussions with President Tinubu [https://thewhistler.ng/wike-denies-promising-to-hold-pdp-for-tinubu]. - Makinde's accusations stem from a perceived betrayal, as he believes Wike's alleged commitment undermines the PDP's integrity and unity [https://thesun.ng/wike-angry-with-makinde-over-refusal-to-support-tinubus-re-election-pdp-professionals]. 2. **Political Context**: - The rift is exacerbated by Makinde's refusal to support Tinubu's re-election campaign, which he argues could weaken the opposition and damage Nigeria's democracy [https://www.legit.ng/nigeria/1689476-makinde-rejects-tinubu-wike-dictate-pdps-direction]. - Wike's reaffirmation of loyalty to the PDP amidst these tensions suggests a struggle for influence within the party as the 2027 elections loom [https://independent.ng/makinde-lied-that-i-offered-to-hold-pdp-for-president-tinubu-wike]. 3. **Reactions from Party Stakeholders**: - The Conference of Professionals in the PDP has expressed concern over the fallout, indicating that Wike's anger towards Makinde is rooted in the latter's refusal to back Tinubu's re-election [https://thesun.ng/wike-angry-with-makinde-over-refusal-to-support-tinubus-re-election-pdp-professionals]. - Wike's comments about Makinde being "frustrated" further illustrate the personal and political stakes involved in this dispute [https://tv360nigeria.com/2027-wike-denies-promising-to-deliver-pdp-to-tinubu-calls-makinde-frustrated]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Key Statements**: - Wike's denial of any agreement to support Tinubu is consistent across multiple sources, reinforcing his position [https://naijaonpoint.com.ng/wike-refutes-makindes-story-of-holding-pdp-for-tinubu-2027, https://thecable.ng/wike-i-never-promised-to-hold-pdp-for-tinubu-makinde-angry-over-ministerial-nominee-snub]. - Makinde's claims have been met with widespread skepticism within the PDP, as many party members view the allegations as a tactic to shift blame for internal divisions [https://insidebusiness.ng/237491/wike-denies-plot-to-hand-pdp-to-tinubu-accuses-makinde-of-frustration-ahead-of-2027]. ### Conclusion: A Divided PDP Faces Uncertain Future The ongoing conflict between Wike and Makinde underscores significant divisions within the PDP as it prepares for the 2027 elections. 1. **Key Findings**: - **Wike's Denial**: Wike has firmly rejected Makinde's claims, emphasizing his loyalty to the PDP [https://af24news.com/wike-denies-promising-to-hold-down-pdp-for-tinubu-hits-back-at-makinde]. - **Makinde's Position**: Makinde's refusal to support Tinubu reflects deeper ideological divides within the party [https://www.legit.ng/nigeria/1689476-makinde-rejects-tinubu-wike-dictate-pdps-direction]. - **Implications for the PDP**: The rift may hinder the party's ability to present a united front in the upcoming elections, potentially impacting its electoral prospects [https://newsypeople.com/news/blatant-le-wike-denies-gov-makindes-claim-that-he-promised-president-tinubu-to-hold-pdp-down]. In summary, the allegations and counter-allegations between Wike and Makinde not only reflect personal grievances but also highlight the broader challenges facing the PDP as it navigates a complex political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections.