RismadarVoice Reporters, May 13, 2026
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has addressed public criticism surrounding his recent visit to the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress, insisting that the meeting should not be interpreted through a partisan lens.
Speaking during an inspection of ongoing road projects in Karu, Apo-Karshi, and Kubwa, Wike dismissed concerns that his visit to APC national chairman Nentawe Yilwatda was politically significant, describing it instead as a routine interaction between former colleagues.
He argued that political differences should not erase personal or professional relationships, adding that he does not subscribe to what he called “politics of enmity.” According to him, it is unreasonable to expect political actors who once worked together to avoid one another entirely.
Wike explained that the visit was also a reciprocal engagement, noting that Yilwatda had previously made attempts to see him at his office without success. He maintained that the meeting was informal and required no public briefing.
Responding to calls for transparency over the discussion, the minister said he was not obligated to disclose details of private interactions, stressing that not every meeting between public officials carries official implications.
He further emphasised that his focus remains on delivering infrastructure projects and governance outcomes in the Federal Capital Territory, rather than engaging in political speculation or public interpretation of his personal engagements.
Wike, who remains a member of the Peoples Democratic Party while serving in President Bola Tinubu’s administration, reiterated that political affiliation should not prevent cordial relationships across party lines.
