Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, has dismissed growing political speculation surrounding his recent visit to the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Nentawe Yilwatda, insisting that the meeting was purely personal and should not be interpreted as a political move or signal of defection.
The former Rivers State governor addressed the controversy on Wednesday while inspecting ongoing road construction projects in Karu, Apo-Karshi and Kubwa within the Federal Capital Territory. Wike made it clear that public officials and politicians should be able to maintain cordial personal relationships regardless of party affiliations.
The minister’s visit to the APC chairman’s residence in Abuja on Tuesday had generated widespread reactions in political circles, especially given Wike’s continued membership of the Peoples Democratic Party despite serving in the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
Responding to questions from journalists, Wike criticised attempts to politicise ordinary social interactions among political leaders. He explained that his relationship with Yilwatda predates the latter’s emergence as APC national chairman and insisted there was nothing unusual about paying him a visit.
According to Wike, both men had previously worked together as colleagues before Yilwatda assumed leadership of the ruling party. He questioned why political observers expected public office holders to avoid one another simply because they belong to different political parties.
The FCT minister stated that politics should not destroy personal relationships or create unnecessary hostility among leaders working in government. He stressed that democracy allows freedom of association and that individuals should not be condemned for maintaining friendships across party lines.
Wike also revealed that the visit was merely a return gesture after the APC chairman had unsuccessfully tried on several occasions to meet him at his office. He explained that the meeting was based on mutual respect and personal interaction rather than political negotiations.
The minister rejected criticism over the absence of an official statement following the meeting, insisting that he was under no obligation to publicise or explain every private engagement he has with friends, colleagues or political associates.
According to him, many Nigerians have become too quick to attach political meanings to simple interactions without understanding the realities of governance and personal relationships among public figures.
Wike maintained that his primary focus remains governance, infrastructure development and improving the lives of residents of the Federal Capital Territory rather than engaging in endless political speculation.
He pointed to the ongoing road projects across Abuja as evidence of his commitment to service delivery, adding that tangible development and visible infrastructure are more important than rumours circulating in political circles.
The minister further stated that his responsibility is to satisfy the confidence reposed in him by President Bola Tinubu, whom he described as his appointor, by delivering projects that directly impact residents of the FCT.
Wike explained that he is more concerned about the successful execution of projects under his supervision than worrying about what critics or political commentators may think about his movements or associations.
The former Rivers governor has remained one of the most controversial figures in Nigeria’s political landscape since accepting an appointment in the APC-led federal government despite retaining his membership in the opposition PDP.
His political moves and relationships have continued to attract national attention, especially amid ongoing internal crises within the Peoples Democratic Party and increasing discussions about political alignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Despite recurring rumours of a possible defection to the APC, Wike has consistently maintained that his focus is on governance and national development rather than partisan politics.
Observers believe his latest remarks were aimed at calming tensions and shutting down fresh speculations triggered by his meeting with the APC national chairman. However, the development is still expected to fuel further political debate as alliances and realignments continue to shape Nigeria’s evolving political landscape ahead of future elections.
