Wike Justifies Visit To APC Chairman Amid Political Speculation

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed speculation surrounding his recent visit to the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, insisting that he does not engage in the politics of enmity.

Wike spoke with journalists on Wednesday after inspecting ongoing road projects in Karu, Apo-Karshi, and Kubwa in the FCT.

He said his interaction with the APC chairman was purely a matter of personal association and professional courtesy, and not a formal political meeting.

The minister, who had just assessed the progress of work on major arterial roads, responded to questions from journalists who sought clarification on the visit.

Wike maintained that he was under no obligation to disclose details of his private interactions, adding that individuals were free to associate regardless of political affiliation.

He questioned why a personal visit should be made public, stressing that both the APC and PDP should not be reduced to a culture of avoidance among members.

The minister noted that he had a long-standing relationship with Yilwatda, saying they had worked together before the latter became APC national chairman.

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

Wike explained that the visit was a reciprocal gesture after several unsuccessful attempts by Yilwatda to see him at his office.

He said that due to his busy schedule as minister, he often receives numerous visitors, and since the APC chairman could not secure an appointment, he decided to visit him at his residence instead.

The minister emphasised that his primary focus remained the delivery of his mandate and satisfying his appointing authority.

He added that he was not concerned about public perception or “what somebody on the road is thinking” as long as he was performing his duties effectively.

“What is important to me is what I’m doing for my people,” Wike said, insisting that the results of his work matter more than political speculation.