Mohamed Garba
President Bola Tinubu has extended a public invitation to Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, to formally join the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying the former Rivers State governor would be warmly welcomed into the fold if he decides to make the move.
Speaking on Wednesday during the inauguration of Arterial Road N16 to N20 and other infrastructure projects in the Katampe District of Abuja, the President praised Wike’s contributions to the capital’s development despite not being a card-carrying member of the ruling party.
“We have somebody in Nyesom Wike. He’s not a member of our party — not yet. But the day he changes his mind and registers with the progressives, we will welcome him. Because we will join him in singing, ‘as e dey pain them, e dey sweet us,’” Tinubu said, drawing laughter from attendees.
The President’s remarks added fresh fuel to long-standing political speculation about Wike’s potential defection to the APC, especially following his controversial alliance with the ruling party during the 2023 general elections — a move that sparked tensions within his party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
Despite Wike’s absence from the APC’s official roster, Tinubu applauded his efforts as FCT Minister, highlighting the significance of the road projects as part of his administration’s broader push for national transformation.
“This project represents more than a stretch of asphalt,” Tinubu said. “It affirms our commitment to urban transformation, under our Renewed Hope Agenda.”
He emphasized that infrastructure is central to Nigeria’s economic and social advancement, stressing that his administration is making strategic investments across key sectors.
“Infrastructure is not a luxury. It is a necessity. It is the bedrock of national competitiveness, growth, social integration and economic opportunity,” he said. “We are investing in roads, brainpower, healthcare, education and digital infrastructure. It is only through this coordinated and integrated development that we can unlock Nigeria’s full potential. I promise you, we will.”
The President’s comments are likely to intensify political maneuvering ahead of future elections, with Wike remaining a pivotal figure capable of swaying allegiances across party lines.
So far, Wike has not publicly responded to the President’s remarks.
