Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has rejected claims that he is the only former member of the Peoples Democratic Party’s G5 governors to have benefited from President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Wike made the clarification on TVC News’ Journalists’ Hangout on Monday while discussing his relationship with Tinubu and the political direction of the former G5 governors ahead of the 2027 elections.
He said other members of the group had also received appointments or support from the Federal Government.
According to Wike, former Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu is currently Nigeria’s ambassador to Spain, while former Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi is serving as ambassador to Greece.
Wike also cited Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, saying the Tinubu administration had supported the expansion of the Oyo Airport with N50 billion.
“I do not understand what they say by enjoying Mr President,” Wike said, explaining that his decision to accept Tinubu’s ministerial appointment was made after consultations with PDP stakeholders at the state, zonal and national levels.
He said the party’s stakeholders had unanimously supported his participation in the Federal Government.
Wike added that former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom was the only member of the G5 who had not accepted a formal position in the Tinubu administration.
“I do know that it is only my brother, Gov. Ortom, who said he does not want a position but wants to continue to work for Mr President,” he said.
The G5 comprised Wike, Ikpeazu, Ugwuanyi, Ortom and Makinde. The group opposed the PDP’s presidential campaign in 2023, demanding the removal of then National Chairman Iyorchia Ayu before supporting Atiku Abubakar.
Since then, the political paths of the five governors have diverged. Wike joined Tinubu’s cabinet, while Ikpeazu and Ugwuanyi became ambassadors. Makinde remains governor of Oyo State, while Ortom has continued to express support for Tinubu.
Wike’s comments come amid renewed political activity surrounding his Rainbow Coalition ahead of the 2027 elections. He has maintained that the coalition is focused on mobilising support for Tinubu’s re-election, while some APC governors have raised concerns about political arrangements that could affect the party’s structure and candidates.