Wike dismisses political interpretation of APC Chairman visit, says meeting was personal

FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, has dismissed speculation surrounding his recent visit to the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof Nentawe Yilwatda, insisting that the engagement was purely personal and not politically motivated.

Wike had visited the APC chairman at his residence in Abuja earlier in the week, a move that triggered political reactions and public debate due to his continued membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) while serving in President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet.

Speaking on Wednesday during an inspection of road projects in Karu, Apo-Karshi, and Kubwa, the minister said there was no need to attach political meaning to ordinary social interactions between public office holders.

“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?” Wike asked.

He explained that the visit was a return gesture, adding that the APC chairman had previously attempted several times to see him at his office without success.

Wike further argued that he was not under obligation to issue public statements about private meetings or personal relationships, stressing that such expectations were unnecessary.

According to him, political differences should not prevent cordial relationships among leaders, especially those who have worked together in public service.

The FCT Minister maintained that his attention remains on governance and infrastructural delivery in the Federal Capital Territory, adding that he is focused on satisfying his appointing authority and improving the lives of residents rather than political speculation.

“What’s important to me is what I’m doing for my people,” he said, reiterating that his priority is project execution and service delivery across the FCT.