The Peoples Democratic Party has dismissed growing speculation over a possible permanent defection of Nyesom Wike to the ruling All Progressives Congress, insisting that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory remains one of its strongest political figures.
The opposition party said Wike’s role in the current APC-led Federal Government does not change his political identity or weaken his ties to the PDP.
Politics Nigeria reports that the clarification came on Wednesday after recent comments by APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, who openly praised Wike’s leadership and performance during the commissioning of a project in Abuja.
Reacting to the remarks, the PDP said the commendation from the ruling party only confirms the quality of leaders the opposition has produced over the years.
PDP National Publicity Secretary, Jungudo Mohammed, said the party has no intention of allowing Wike leave permanently, regardless of political pressure or offers from the APC.
The statement read, “The Peoples Democratic Party has noted with amusement the candid acknowledgment by the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, of the remarkable contributions, exceptional leadership, and outstanding performance of one of the PDP’s finest assets, the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, His Excellency, Chief Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, CON, during the commissioning of a major project in Abuja.
“The commendation by the APC National Chairman is yet another public acknowledgment of the quality, competence, and leadership capacity that the PDP continues to offer Nigeria. It also reinforces the fact that the PDP remains home to some of the country’s most accomplished and result-oriented leaders.
“However, while we welcome the open admiration expressed by the APC National Chairman and the glowing accolades showered on our national leader, it is necessary to clarify that Barrister Wike remains a committed and loyal member of the Peoples Democratic Party.
“As Professor Yilwatda himself implied, Barrister Wike’s engagement with the APC-led administration is best described as a loan arrangement, and we wish to state unequivocally that the agreement contains no provision whatsoever for a permanent transfer deal.”
The party stressed that Wike’s appointment as FCT minister should not be seen as evidence of an impending defection.
According to the PDP, his service in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is purely in the interest of national service and should not be mistaken for political realignment.
It added, “We further wish to state that the PDP has no intention whatsoever of parting with one of its most valuable political assets, regardless of any offers or overtures that may be made. The APC is therefore advised to refrain from entertaining any hopes of a permanent acquisition, as such a move would be firmly resisted.
“The PDP is not in the business of disposing of its finest political talents. Barrister Nyesom Wike remains one of the party’s most valuable assets and there are no plans, ongoing negotiations, hidden clauses, or future options that would permit a permanent move.
“His service in the current APC-led administration should not be misconstrued as a possible political transfer. It does not in any way alter his political identity or diminish his longstanding loyalty, commitment, and immense contributions to the Peoples Democratic Party. The present leadership of the party fully acknowledges, appreciates, and remains grateful for his invaluable role in strengthening and advancing the PDP over the years.
“It is not in doubt that, through his visionary leadership, commitment to service, and execution of numerous landmark projects, Barrister Wike has transformed critical aspects of the nation’s capital, earning commendation from citizens across political, ethnic and religious divides. The PDP is proud of his exceptional performance as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.”
The PDP further credited Wike for major infrastructure upgrades and urban renewal projects in the nation’s capital, saying his performance reflects the governance capacity the party has consistently offered Nigeria.
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