Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, has dismissed the controversy surrounding his Tuesday visit to the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Nentawe Yilwatda, insisting that he does not practise what he described as “politics of enmity.”
Wike made the remarks while speaking with journalists during an inspection of ongoing road construction projects in Karu, Apo-Karshi and Kubwa on Wednesday.
The minister described the public reaction to the visit as an unnecessary misinterpretation of what he said was simply a personal interaction between two former ministerial colleagues.
“We were all colleagues before he left for the chairmanship of 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?” Wike queried.
He explained that the visit was reciprocal, revealing that Yilwatda had made several unsuccessful attempts to see him at his office before the meeting eventually took place.
Responding to questions over the absence of a formal briefing after the meeting, Wike maintained that he was under no obligation to publicly explain his private associations or social interactions.
The minister dismissed suggestions that politicians from different political parties must avoid personal relationships, arguing that freedom of association transcends partisan boundaries.
Although Wike remains a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, he currently serves in the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He stressed that his focus remains on delivering results in the Federal Capital Territory rather than responding to political speculation.
According to him, the only opinion that truly matters is that of his appointor and the people benefiting from ongoing infrastructure projects across the FCT.
“What’s important to me is what I’m doing for my people,” Wike said.
He added that the visible progress of projects under his supervision should carry more significance than assumptions being made about his political relationships.
The comments come amid heightened political scrutiny over Wike’s engagements across party lines, particularly given his complex political standing as a PDP member serving prominently in an APC-led federal government.
Political observers say his latest remarks reinforce his long-held posture of prioritising political pragmatism over strict party alignment.
What You Should Know
Wike’s response reflects his continued effort to project himself as a pragmatic political actor unconstrained by partisan divisions.
His relationship with key APC figures has repeatedly drawn attention since joining President Tinubu’s cabinet despite retaining PDP membership. The meeting with APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda sparked speculation because of ongoing political realignments ahead of 2027.
However, Wike’s dismissal of the controversy signals his intention to maintain cross-party alliances while focusing on governance in the FCT, reinforcing his reputation as one of Nigeria’s most strategically flexible politicians.
