The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has firmly dismissed the controversy surrounding his recent visit to the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Nentawe Yilwatda, describing the reactions as unnecessary and misguided.
Speaking during an inspection of ongoing road projects across Karu, Apo-Karshi, and Kubwa in Abuja, Wike made it clear that his actions were rooted in personal respect rather than political calculation. According to him, both men had previously served together as ministers, and maintaining that relationship should not be seen as controversial.
He questioned the logic behind the public outrage, stressing that politics should not turn ordinary human interactions into suspicion-filled events. Wike noted that Yilwatda had earlier attempted to visit him multiple times, making his own visit nothing more than a simple, reciprocal gesture between former colleagues.
The minister also rejected the idea that he owed the public any explanation regarding his private meetings. He insisted that freedom of association allows individuals—regardless of political affiliation—to maintain relationships without being subjected to scrutiny or forced interpretations.
Despite being a member of the Peoples Democratic Party while serving in the administration of President Bola Tinubu, Wike maintained that governance should not be reduced to rigid party divisions. He argued that effective leadership requires cooperation, not hostility.
Ultimately, Wike emphasized that his priority remains delivering tangible results for residents of the FCT. He stated that performance and service to the people matter far more than political narratives, adding that he is focused on meeting the expectations of those who entrusted him with responsibility.