Posted by Chinenye on Wed 13th May, 2026 - tori.ng
Nyesom Wike has defended his recent visit to APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda, insisting that the interaction was purely personal and should not be politicised.
(Nyesom Wike. Photo Credit: Daily Post)
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has pushed back against criticism sparked by his recent visit to APC National Chairman Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, insisting that he does not practise what he termed "politics of enmity."
Speaking to journalists on Wednesday during an inspection of ongoing road projects in Karu, Apo-Karshi, and Kubwa where he also emphasised the need for the works to be completed on schedule Wike clarified that the visit was purely personal in nature and not a political meeting of any kind.
When pressed on why no official explanation was issued following the visit, Wike maintained that he is under no obligation to publicly justify his private movements or social interactions.
He argued that people across party lines are free to maintain personal relationships, and that not every such interaction needs to be politicised or turned into a news story.
He questioned why a private visit should be treated as something requiring a public announcement.
Wike also rejected the notion that politicians from rival parties such as the APC and PDP must completely avoid one another.
He pointed out that he and Yilwatda share a longstanding personal relationship that predates the latter's assumption of the APC chairmanship, describing it as a collegial bond built over many years.
He further explained that the visit came about partly because Yilwatda had made several unsuccessful attempts to secure a meeting at his ministerial office.
Given his busy schedule and the difficulty in arranging a formal appointment, Wike said he decided to personally pay him a visit at home instead.
The minister stressed that his primary focus remains the effective delivery of his responsibilities and meeting the expectations of those who appointed him.
He made clear that external opinions and political speculation have no bearing on how he carries out his duties, emphasising that what ultimately matters to him is the tangible impact of his work for the people he serves.