The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has dismissed speculations surrounding his recent visit to the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Prof Nentawe Yilwatda, insisting that the meeting was purely personal and not politically motivated.
Wike made the clarification on Wednesday while inspecting ongoing road construction projects across parts of Abuja, including Karu, Apo-Karshi and Kubwa.
Wike explains visit to APC chairman
The former Rivers State governor stated that his relationship with Yilwatda predates the latter’s emergence as APC national chairman.
According to Wike, political differences should not stop public officials from maintaining cordial relationships.
“We were all colleagues before he left for the chairmanship of the APC,” Wike said.
“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?”
Visit was a return gesture
The FCT minister explained that the visit was simply a return gesture after Yilwatda had reportedly tried several times to see him at his office without success.
Wike also rejected criticism over the absence of an official statement after the meeting, insisting that he was not under obligation to explain private relationships or social interactions to the public.
Party affiliation should not stop friendships
Despite remaining a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, Wike currently serves in the cabinet of President Bola Tinubu of the APC-led administration.
He maintained that political affiliation should not restrict freedom of association among leaders and public officials.
The minister cautioned against attaching political interpretations to every public interaction, stressing that his primary focus remains governance and infrastructure development in the Federal Capital Territory.
Focus remains on infrastructure projects
Wike said he was more concerned about delivering projects and satisfying the expectations of residents and the presidency than responding to political speculation.
“What’s important to me is what I’m doing for my people,” he stated.
The minister added that his attention is on delivering visible infrastructure projects and fulfilling the responsibilities assigned to him in the FCT.
The comments come amid growing political discussions surrounding alliances and relationships ahead of future political developments in the country.
