Wike dismisses political motives in APC chair visit

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has defended his visit to the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Prof Nentawe Yilwatda, saying the meeting was purely personal and should not be interpreted through a political lens.

Wike had visited Yilwatda at his residence in Abuja on Tuesday.

Speaking with journalists on Wednesday during an inspection of ongoing road projects in Karu, Apo-Karshi and Kubwa, Wike dismissed reactions trailing the visit, insisting that political differences should not prevent cordial relationships among public officials.

“We were all colleagues before he left for the chairmanship of the APC. So, what I should do anytime I see him is to hide? Anytime he sees me, he should run away so people will not say something?” he queried.

The minister explained that the visit was a return gesture, revealing that Yilwatda had earlier made several unsuccessful attempts to see him at his office.

Wike also rejected criticism over the absence of an official statement after the meeting, maintaining that he was not obligated to explain his personal relationships or private interactions to the public.

The former Rivers State governor, who remains a member of the Peoples Democratic Party despite serving in the cabinet of President Bola Tinubu, said freedom of association should not be restricted by party affiliations.

He warned against reading political motives into ordinary social engagements, stressing that his focus remains on governance and service delivery in the Federal Capital Territory.

“What’s important to me is what I’m doing for my people,” Wike said.

He added that his priority is satisfying his “appointor” and delivering visible infrastructure projects for residents of the FCT rather than worrying about public speculation or “what somebody on the road is thinking.”

Gift Habib is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over five years of experience reporting on foreign affairs, elections, security, and related issues. She specializes in covering complex political and security developments, providing context and clarity for readers. Her work reflects extensive newsroom experience and a strong commitment to accurate, insightful, and trustworthy journalism.

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