The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, has stated that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, is free to become a member of the ruling party whenever he chooses.
Speaking during a media briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, Yilwatda emphasized that the APC does not force individuals to join its ranks, noting that membership is entirely voluntary.
He also defended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to appoint Wike, despite his affiliation with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). According to him, appointing individuals from outside the ruling party is not unusual in Nigeria’s political history.
To support his position, Yilwatda cited past administrations where leaders appointed individuals from opposing parties into key roles. He argued that similar decisions by previous presidents did not attract the level of criticism currently directed at the Tinubu administration.
He further pointed out that Wike’s appointment had the backing of the PDP’s National Working Committee, stating that the former Rivers State governor formally sought and received approval from his party before accepting the role.
When asked if he would welcome Wike into the APC, Yilwatda reiterated that the minister is at liberty to join if he wishes, stressing that there are no conditions requiring political appointees to switch party allegiance before serving in government.
He added that the current administration has remained open to working with capable individuals, regardless of past political differences, noting that even critics of the president have been given opportunities to serve based on merit.
- TVC news