The Peoples Democratic Party has said that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, remains one of its most valuable political assets, insisting that it has no intention of allowing him to permanently move to the ruling party despite ongoing political tensions and public commentary about his role in government.
On June, 2026, in Abuja, Nigeria, the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Jungudo Mohammed Haruna, issued a statement responding to comments attributed to the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, during the inauguration of a project in the Federal Capital Territory. Haruna said the PDP would not “trade” or “release” Wike to any other political party under any circumstances.
The statement was issued after remarks credited to Professor Yilwatda reportedly acknowledged the contributions of Nyesom Wike to the current administration’s infrastructure development efforts in Abuja, particularly in the execution and supervision of major capital projects within the FCT.
The PDP said it found such comments “amusing,” arguing that recognition of Wike’s performance should not be interpreted as political acquisition or alignment by the ruling party.
According to Haruna, the PDP is not in the business of “disposing of its finest political talents,” stressing that Wike remains a core member of the party despite his current role in a government led by the APC.
He stated that there are no ongoing negotiations, hidden arrangements, or political understandings that would allow for Wike’s permanent defection to the ruling party.
The party insisted that it would resist any attempt to claim ownership of the FCT minister, describing him as a key figure in its political structure.
Wike, a former Governor of Rivers State, remains one of the most prominent figures in Nigeria’s opposition politics, known for his strong influence within the PDP and his outspoken political positions.
His appointment as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory by President Bola Tinubu in 2023 created a rare political arrangement, placing a leading opposition figure in a key cabinet position within an APC-led federal government.
Since assuming office, Wike has overseen several high-profile infrastructure projects in Abuja, including road rehabilitation and urban development initiatives.
His role has continued to generate political debate, with some opposition figures questioning his continued membership in the PDP while serving in a federal cabinet.
The PDP, however, has repeatedly maintained that Wike remains its member, even while serving in the APC-led administration.
Haruna emphasized that the party values loyalty and contributions from its members and would not surrender key political figures based on external political appreciation or recognition.
He said the PDP viewed Wike as an important stakeholder whose experience and influence remain significant to the party’s internal structure.
The statement also suggested that political comments praising Wike’s performance should not be misinterpreted as attempts to politically absorb him into the ruling party.
The PDP urged the APC to focus on governance rather than what it described as “speculative political narratives” about party alignment.
Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, who was mentioned in the PDP statement, is the current National Chairman of the APC and has be2z3a3en involved in public commentary on governance and infrastructure development in Abuja.
The exchange reflects ongoing political tensions between Nigeria’s two major parties, particularly around key figures operating across party lines in government appointments.
The situation surrounding Wike continues to draw attention because of its unusual political configuration, where a senior opposition figure holds a strategic ministerial position in a rival-led administration.
As political discussions continue, both parties maintain firm positions on their respective interpretations of Wike’s role and political affiliation.
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