Wike Defends APC Chairman Visit as Personal Meeting

Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike defended his visit to All Progressives Congress National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda at the chairman's Abuja residence on Tuesday, describing it as a personal meeting between former colleagues rather than a political engagement. Speaking to journalists on Wednesday during an inspection of ongoing road projects in Karu, ApoKarshi, and Kubwa, Wike dismissed public speculation and criticism that followed the unannounced visit.

Wike explained that the encounter was a reciprocal gesture after Yilwatda made several unsuccessful attempts to meet him at his office due to his busy schedule. "We were 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?" Wike said. He rejected calls for an official statement on the meeting, stating that private interactions do not require public disclosure and that politicians from different parties, including his Peoples Democratic Party and the APC, should maintain cordial relationships without suspicion.

The minister emphasized that such personal associations transcend party lines...