Wike Says Tinubu Backed Makinde More, Cites N50bn Grant Approval

|By Chinwendu Nwani

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has declared that he has not enjoyed the level of support Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde received from President Bola Tinubu, insisting that the difference is evident in federal interventions.

Wike made the assertion on Monday during a media parley with selected journalists in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.

He argued that Makinde benefited from presidential goodwill despite publicly criticising Tinubu and failing to secure a ministerial slot for his party.

“I have not gotten the kind of support Seyi Makinde got from President Tinubu,” Wike said. “Makinde wrote to the president—the same man he talks about not giving him a ministerial slot.”

The FCT minister dismissed calls for documentary proof, stressing that the issue was not about evidence but established facts.

“What I don’t like about people is when they say, ‘show evidence.’ That is not the issue,” he said.

Wike further challenged Makinde to deny seeking and receiving a ₦50 billion grant approved by President Tinubu, describing the approval as a clear demonstration of federal backing.

“Can Makinde look up and say he did not apply for a grant of ₦50 billion which the president approved for him?” Wike asked.