Nyesom Wike, the minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has dismissed insinuations surrounding his recent visit to the All Progressives Congress (APC) national chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda. Wike emphasized that he does not practice what he termed 'politics of enmity.' The clarification came during his inspection of ongoing projects in Abuja on Wednesday, May 13, 2026.
Personal Visit, Not Political Meeting
Wike explained that his engagement with the APC chairman was rooted in personal association and professional courtesy, not a formal political meeting. He stated that he was not obligated to disclose private matters or social interactions, questioning why the public expected him to announce such a personal act. The former Rivers State governor argued that everyone has the freedom to associate with others regardless of political affiliations.
He rejected the notion that members of different political parties, such as the APC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), should not meet. Wike noted his long-standing relationship with Yilwatda, recalling their time together as members of the presidential cabinet. 'We're 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?' he said.
Public Reactions
Wike's clarification sparked reactions from Nigerians. Wale Adekola criticized Wike, saying, 'When he killed the platform that brought him to the limelight because of his selfish interest. The God that knew the kind of president he would have been aborted that ambition at infancy.' Victor knocked the FCT minister, urging him to move his voting centre to his local government to ensure his vote counts. Badboytinz questioned, 'Yet you don't want to carry eye and see every other politician that don't agree with you. If that's true, let Fubara be.' Godwin Nkeruwem recalled Wike's recent threat to banks over the PDP crisis, asking, 'But you will revoke the C of O of any bank that opens an account for PDP to sell nomination forms, Aby?'
The visit and subsequent comments have fueled ongoing political discourse in Nigeria, highlighting the complex dynamics between party loyalties and personal relationships.
