The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed criticisms surrounding his recent visit to the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda. He emphasized that he does not subscribe to what he termed 'politics of enmity'. Speaking with journalists during an inspection of ongoing road projects across the FCT, Wike described his interaction with the APC chairman as a personal and professional engagement that should not spark political controversy.
Wike Defends Cross-Party Association
Wike argued that individuals are free to associate across party lines, stressing that political affiliation should not translate into hostility among public office holders. 'That is their business. Whatever they think is their business, it's their headache,' Wike said, reacting to public speculations over the visit. He added, 'When the former chairman of the Labour Party (LP) visited me in my house, what were they thinking? I don't play politics of enmity. I don't do that.'
Wike explained that Yilwatda had made several unsuccessful attempts to meet him officially before he decided to visit the APC chairman at his residence. According to Wike, the meeting should not be interpreted beyond the scope of normal human and political relationships. 'The National Chairman of APC was trying to see me several times, but couldn't see me. I then decided to see him in his house,' he stated.
Private Life Not for Public Scrutiny
The minister also dismissed suggestions that he owed the public details of the engagement, arguing that private interactions should not be politicised. 'Did I go there for any meeting? Why would I tell you about my private life? If I come to visit you to have a drink with you, should I tell the whole world that I'm going there to have a drink with you?' he asked. He further faulted the notion that politicians from rival parties must avoid one another in public. Wike recalled that both he and Yilwatda had previously served together in government before the latter emerged as the APC national chairman.
Fubara Reaffirms APC Membership
Meanwhile, Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, dismissed speculations that he had defected from the APC amid ongoing political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections. Fubara said reports suggesting that he had abandoned the ruling party were false, insisting that he remained committed to the APC and its overall interest.
Reports emerged at the weekend alleging that the APC screening committee rejected Fubara during a screening exercise for the party's serving governors, and that the governor subsequently left the venue angrily without addressing journalists. Reacting, Fubara said, 'I know that there has been a lot of drama in the media; one story or another. I am a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and nothing has changed. People should stop using whatever situation they pick up from social media or their own interpretation of events to misrepresent me.'
'I have not gone anywhere. I am still a member of the APC, and I remain committed to the party. Whatever happens, what is important is supporting the overall interest of the party,' the governor added. He spoke during an inspection tour of the newly constructed General Hospital and the remodelled Neuropsychiatric Hospital in Rumuigbo, Obio/Akpor Local Council Area of Rivers State.
