Wike dismisses political speculation over meeting with APC Chairman Yilwatda

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has downplayed speculation surrounding his recent meeting with the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Nentawe Yilwatda, insisting that the visit was strictly personal and not connected to any political realignment ahead of the 2027 elections.

Speaking with journalists in Abuja on Wednesday, Wike said Nigerians should not interpret every interaction between politicians through a political lens.

According to the former Rivers State governor, his visit to Yilwatda was simply a social call between longtime associates and did not involve discussions about defection, coalition politics, or his political future.

“People must understand that personal relationships can exist outside politics,” Wike said. “I visited a friend and colleague. There was no discussion about 2027 or any political arrangement.”

The meeting had generated widespread reactions within political circles, especially given Wike’s position as a prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party serving in the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu under the APC-led federal government.

Political observers have continued to speculate about Wike’s long-term political direction amid ongoing internal divisions within the PDP and his close working relationship with the ruling party.

The FCT minister has remained one of the most influential political figures in the country since the 2023 elections and has frequently attracted attention over his relationship with APC leaders.

The latest meeting with Yilwatda comes at a time when political parties and emerging alliances are already positioning ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Recent developments, including coalition talks among opposition parties and the emergence of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, have intensified discussions around possible political realignments across the country.

Despite the speculation, Wike maintained that his priority remains the development of the Federal Capital Territory under the administration’s “Renewed Hope” agenda.

He said ongoing infrastructure projects in Abuja and satellite towns remain his primary focus, adding that politics would not distract him from governance responsibilities.

Wike also reiterated his commitment to enforcing the Abuja master plan and completing key projects scheduled for commissioning later in the year.

Meanwhile, the APC leadership has continued to publicly commend Wike’s cooperation with the federal government, with some party stakeholders describing him as a strategic contributor to governance and political stability in the FCT.

Although Wike denied any political undertones to the visit, analysts believe his relationship with APC leaders will continue to attract public attention as preparations for the 2027 elections gradually intensify.