Nyesom Wike has dismissed the controversy surrounding his recent visit to the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Nentawe Yilwatda, saying he does not subscribe to “politics of enmity” and owes no one an explanation over his personal relationships.
Wike spoke with journalists on Wednesday during an inspection of ongoing road projects in Karu, Apo-Karshi and Kubwa in the Federal Capital Territory, where he addressed the public reaction that followed his Tuesday meeting with the APC chairman.
The former Rivers State governor described the controversy as an unnecessary politicisation of what he called a simple personal interaction between two former colleagues who had served together as ministers.
“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 queried.
The minister explained that the visit was merely a return gesture, disclosing that Yilwatda had previously made several unsuccessful attempts to see him at his office.
Wike also dismissed concerns over the absence of any formal briefing after the meeting, insisting that he was under no obligation to make his private associations or social interactions a matter of public record.
He maintained that politicians from different parties should not be expected to avoid one another simply because of political affiliations.
Wike, who remains a member of the Peoples Democratic Party despite serving in the cabinet of President Bola Tinubu, argued that freedom of association goes beyond party lines and should not be interpreted as political conspiracy.
According to him, his focus remains on delivering tangible projects for residents of the FCT and meeting the expectations of the administration he serves, rather than responding to political speculation.
“What’s important to me is what I’m doing for my people,” Wike said, insisting that performance and visible results matter more than public perception or political assumptions.
