The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has responded strongly to criticism trailing his recent visit to the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, insisting the meeting was purely personal and should not be politicised.
Speaking with journalists on Wednesday after inspecting ongoing infrastructure projects in Abuja, Wike said he does not subscribe to what he described as politics of hostility or unnecessary enmity.
According to him, the visit was simply an act of personal courtesy and not a political strategy, stressing that not every interaction involving public officials must be interpreted through partisan lenses.
The minister argued that he was under no obligation to disclose details of his private or social engagements, adding that public curiosity about the visit had been exaggerated.
He further questioned why a personal interaction should generate national attention, noting that such meetings are often ordinary and should not always be subjected to public scrutiny.
Wike also revealed that he and Yilwatda had maintained a cordial relationship long before the latter became APC National Chairman, describing the visit as part of a reciprocal relationship between them.
He added that the APC chairman had previously made several unsuccessful attempts to meet him at the FCT Administration Secretariat, which partly informed his decision to pay a visit in person.
“So, what should I do? Anytime I see him, I should hide? Anytime he sees me, he should run away so people will not talk?
“As a busy minister, I receive many visitors. Since he could not secure an appointment at the office, I opted to visit him at his residence to hear what he had to say,” Wike explained.
Wike maintained that his focus remains on his duties under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, stressing that his loyalty is directed toward delivering results in the FCT rather than engaging in political distractions.
“I am indifferent to what somebody on the road is thinking.
“What is important to me is what I am doing for my people because the results of my work hold more weight than political speculation,” he said.
The minister reiterated that his approach to governance is driven by service delivery and practical outcomes, rather than partisan sentiment or public commentary.
