Wike hit back at critics of his meeting with the APC chairman

Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, has rejected criticism surrounding his recent visit to the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Prof Nentawe Yilwatda, and insisted that the meeting had no political overtones despite increasing public speculation.

Wike, who visited the APC chairman at his residence in Abuja on Tuesday, said attempts to give political significance to the meeting were unnecessary and misleading.

Speaking to journalists on Wednesday during an inspection tour of ongoing road projects in Karu, Apo-Karshi and Kubwa, the minister defended his ties with Yilwatda, stressing that political affiliations should not destroy personal ties between leaders.

“We were all colleagues before he left to become APC chairman. So, what should I do whenever I see him is hide? Whenever he sees me, he should run away so that people don’t say anything?” Wike asked.

The former governor of Rivers State explained that the visit was merely a gesture of friendship and not a secret political meeting as portrayed in some quarters.

According to him, the APC Chairman had previously tried to meet him in his office several times but to no avail, thus making the visit a courtesy and reciprocity.

Wike also dismissed concerns raised over the absence of an official statement or political communiqué following the meeting, arguing that he did not need to explain to anyone about his personal relationships.

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The minister stated that democracy allows individuals to freely associate between parties, and warned against the growing culture of politicizing ordinary interactions between public office holders.

Despite serving in President Bola Tinubu’s government, Wike has reiterated that he remains a member of the People’s Democratic Party and has no reason to treat members of other political parties as enemies.

He emphasized that his primary concern remains governance, providing infrastructure and fulfilling the expectations of the residents of the Federal Capital Territory.

“What matters to me is what I do for my people,” Wike said.

The FCT Minister further stated that his attention is focused on satisfying his “appointees” through visible development projects rather than being distracted by political interpretations or public gossip.

Observers say the meeting continues to generate backlash due to Wike’s growing close ties with key figures in the ruling APC despite his official membership of the PDP, a development that has repeatedly fueled speculation about his long-term political direction.