Wike: Why I visited APC chairman Yilwatda

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has spoken about the insinuations that trailed his recent visit to the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, in Abuja.

​Speaking with newsmen during a project inspection in Abuja on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, Wike clarified that his interaction with the APC chairman was a matter of personal association and professional courtesy rather than a formal political meeting.

​Responding to questions regarding the lack of a formal briefing after the visit, the minister maintained that he is under no obligation to disclose details of his private life or social interactions, adding that he does not practice “politics of enmity”.

​Wike argued that every individual has the freedom to associate with others regardless of political affiliations.

​He maintained that the visit was private, questioning why such a personal act should be announced to the “whole world”.

​He rejected the idea that members of different political parties, such as the APC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), should avoid each other.

​Wike reminded reporters of his long-standing relationship with Yilwatda, noting that both had served as colleagues when was a minister.

​Wike said: “We’re all colleagues before he left for the chairmanship of APC. 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?”

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​The former governor of Rivers State stated that the visit was a reciprocal gesture after Yilwatda had made several unsuccessful attempts to see him at his office.

Wike noted that as a busy minister, he often receives many visitors, and since Yilwatda could not secure an appointment at the office, he opted to visit the APC chairman at his residence to hear what he had to say.

​The minister emphasised that his primary concern remained the fulfilment of his duties and the satisfaction of his “appointor”.

He stated that he remained indifferent to public perception or “what somebody on the road is thinking” as long as he is carrying out his assigned tasks dutifully.

​”What’s important to me is what I’m doing for my people,” Wike said, stressing that the results of his work hold more weight than political speculation.

The minister inspected the ongoing construction of roads in Karu, Apo-Karshi, and Kubwa,  to ensure completion as scheduled.