June 11, (THEWILL) – President Bola Tinubu has assured Nyesom Wike, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, that he would be warmly welcomed into the All Progressives Congress (APC) if he decides to join the ruling party.
Speaking on Wednesday at the commissioning of the Arterial Road N16 in Abuja’s Katampe District, the President commended Wike’s governance efforts.
“We have somebody, Nyesom Wike, he is not a member of my party (APC), not yet. But the day he changes his mind and registers with the progressives, we will welcome him. Because we will enjoy singing ‘as e dey pain dem, e dey sweet us’”, he said.
Wike, a key stakeholder in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), shocked many when he supported Tinubu during the 2023 presidential election, rejecting his own party’s candidate, Atiku Abubakar, after a divisive primary.
Although he never formally defected, Wike accepted a ministerial position in Tinubu’s APC-led cabinet and was appointed FCT Minister in August 2023, an action that fuelled bitter divisions within the PDP.
While prominent members of the PDP including, Bode George, have criticised his conduct, accusing him of undermining the party’s unity, the former Rivers governor declared during a media chat on June 2, his intention to lead the APC presidential election campaign in 2027.
“I am a key asset. I will lead President Tinubu’s re-election campaign in Rivers State”, he said.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
