JUST IN: I’m working for Tinubu, not APC – Wike

Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, clarified his alignment during an appearance on Channels TV Politics Today, stating that he is working for President Bola Tinubu and not the All Progressives Congress, (APC).

He emphasized, “My focus is not on working for the APC; I am committed to working for Tinubu, who has placed his trust in me to assist in delivering a renewed sense of hope.”

He further explained, “I don’t owe any apologies to anyone. Previously, I was a member of the PDP, and I supported Ahmed Bola Tinubu’s bid to become President of Nigeria.”

Controversy emerged around Wike’s purported membership in the APC when his name appeared on the ruling party’s campaign council list for the gubernatorial elections in Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi states on November 11. However, the APC promptly denied the authenticity of the document, disassociating itself from the release of the said list. The National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Felix Morka, clarified that the circulated lists were not official party documents and should be dismissed.

Wike’s inclusion, disclosed in documents posted on social media by the APC’s National Organizing Secretary, Suleiman Arugungu, led to intense discussions, particularly within the opposition Peoples Democratic Party.

Speaking on the matter, Wike asserted on Wednesday evening that he remains a member of the main opposition party. He defended his support for Tinubu during the presidential election on February 25, asserting, “I don’t owe any apologies for my actions.”

In response to inquiries about potential disciplinary actions from his party, the former governor of Rivers State confidently replied, “Who is the party? Who constitutes it? To be honest, I have not encountered anyone who can suspend me. It won’t happen. No one will take such an action against me. Who would dare to suspend me? Who is that individual?”