By Deborah Nnamdi
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has dismissed speculations that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, may be preparing to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), insisting that he remains a committed member of the opposition party.
The PDP’s reaction followed recent commendations by APC National Chairman, Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, who praised Wike’s performance as FCT minister.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Jungudo Haruna Mohammed, the PDP described Wike as one of its most valuable political assets and maintained that his role in the administration of President Bola Tinubu does not amount to a change of political allegiance.
The party said Wike’s appointment should be viewed as a temporary political arrangement rather than an indication of a permanent move to the APC.
“As Professor Yilwatda himself suggested, Barrister Wike’s engagement with the APC-led administration is best viewed as a political loan arrangement. We wish to state unequivocally that such an arrangement contains no provision whatsoever for a permanent transfer,” the statement said.
The PDP cautioned the ruling party against interpreting Wike’s position in government as evidence of an imminent defection.
“The APC should therefore not entertain hopes of a permanent acquisition, as such a prospect does not exist,” the party stated.
Reaffirming Wike’s loyalty, the PDP stressed that his service in the Federal Government had neither weakened his ties to the party nor altered his political identity.
“His service in the current APC-led administration should not be misconstrued as a change of political allegiance. It does not alter his political identity, nor does it diminish his longstanding loyalty, commitment and immense contributions to the Peoples Democratic Party,” the statement added.
The party attributed the attention Wike continues to receive across political divides to his performance in office, citing achievements in infrastructure development, urban renewal and governance reforms within the Federal Capital Territory.
According to the PDP, Wike’s leadership has transformed key areas of Abuja and earned him widespread commendation from citizens regardless of political, ethnic or religious affiliations.
“There is no doubt that, through his visionary leadership, commitment to public service and execution of numerous landmark projects, Barrister Wike has transformed critical aspects of the nation’s capital,” the party said.
The PDP further argued that the APC chairman’s praise reflected a broader recognition of the quality of leadership within the opposition party.
It maintained that Wike’s performance was evidence of the depth of talent available in the PDP and expressed confidence that many of its leaders would excel if given similar opportunities.
The party also used the occasion to appeal to Nigerians ahead of the 2027 general elections, urging voters to return the PDP to power at all levels of government.
According to the statement, the recognition accorded Wike by the APC chairman reinforces the PDP’s belief that it remains a reservoir of experienced leaders capable of providing effective governance if entrusted with leadership responsibilities once again.
