‘I Don’t Play Politics Of Enmity,’ Wike Defends Visit To APC Chair Yilwatda

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed insinuations about his recent visit to the National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, stating that he does not practice “politics of enmity”.

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

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

​Responding to questions regarding the lack of a formal briefing after the visit, the Minister maintained that he was under no obligation to disclose details of his private life or social interactions.

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 PDP, should avoid each other.

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

“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?”

He explained 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 the APC Chairman 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 fulfillment of his duties and the satisfaction of his principal, President Bola Tinubu.

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 concluded, asserting that the results of his work hold more weight than political speculation.