On Wednesday, June 11, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu expressed his willingness to receive the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, into the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) should he decide to officially switch allegiance.
The President made this known during the inauguration of the Arterial Road N16 and accompanying infrastructure in the Katampe District of Abuja.
While addressing the audience at the event, President Tinubu commended Wike’s efforts in enhancing governance and infrastructure development, particularly within the Federal Capital Territory.
He acknowledged Wike’s notable contributions despite his current affiliation with the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP), emphasizing the importance of unity and effective leadership beyond party lines.
In a moment of light-heartedness, President Tinubu referenced Wike’s popular campaign song from his previous political rallies. “We have somebody—Nyesom Wike—he is not a member of my party, not yet. But the day he changes his mind and registers with the progressives, we will welcome him,” Tinubu remarked with a smile. “Because we will enjoy singing ‘as e dey pain dem, e dey sweet us’,” he added, to the amusement of the audience.
Wike, a prominent figure in the PDP and former Governor of Rivers State, has been a subject of political discussions since aligning himself with Tinubu’s presidential campaign in 2023.
Despite his continued membership in the PDP, he accepted a ministerial role in the APC-led federal government, a move he justifies as being driven by national interest rather than partisan loyalty.
Although he remains officially within the ranks of the opposition, Wike’s cooperation with the Tinubu administration has sparked ongoing debate regarding his political future and the possibility of defection to the APC.
Nevertheless, he has repeatedly stated that his current service is aimed at national development and not a signal of immediate departure from his party.
President Tinubu’s open invitation underscores the fluid dynamics of Nigerian politics and the administration’s apparent readiness to embrace allies from across the political spectrum, provided they demonstrate commitment to national progress.
About The Author
