The Peoples Democratic Party has dismissed suggestions that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, may be heading to the ruling All Progressives Congress, insisting that praise from APC leaders should not be interpreted as a sign of an impending defection.
The party was reacting to recent commendations by APC National Chairman, Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, who lauded Wike’s performance as FCT minister.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Jungudo Haruna Mohammed, the PDP maintained that Wike remains one of its most valuable political assets despite serving in President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
“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 party said.
The opposition party stressed that Wike’s role in the Federal Government should not be seen as evidence of a future move to the APC.
“The APC should therefore not entertain hopes of a permanent acquisition, as such a prospect does not exist,” it stated.
The PDP further sought to dispel doubts about Wike’s loyalty, insisting that his participation in the APC-led government has not 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 argued that the widespread attention Wike continues to attract is a reflection of his performance in office rather than any political realignment.
According to the PDP, the former Rivers governor has recorded notable achievements in infrastructure development, urban renewal and governance reforms within the Federal Capital Territory.
“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, earning commendation from citizens across political, ethnic and religious divides,” it said.
The party also described Yilwatda’s praise as recognition of the calibre of leadership available within the PDP.
“The commendation by the APC National Chairman is yet another public recognition of the quality, competence and leadership capacity that the PDP continues to offer Nigeria,” the statement said.
It added that Wike’s performance is only one example of the pool of experienced leaders within the opposition party.
“We are proud to state that the PDP is also replete with numerous capable leaders and technocrats who, if given similar opportunities, would surpass the performance of many current APC office holders,” it stated.
The PDP used the opportunity to renew its appeal to Nigerians ahead of the 2027 general elections, arguing that the leadership qualities it attributes to Wike reflect a broader culture within the party.
“We therefore call on Nigerians to once again entrust the PDP with leadership responsibilities across all elective positions in 2027,” the party said.
The statement concluded that the recognition accorded to Wike by the APC chairman reinforces the PDP’s position that it remains home to experienced leaders capable of delivering effective governance if returned to power.