The PDP has dismissed any suggestion of Nyesom Wike joining the APC, insisting the FCT Minister remains a loyal party member and one of its most valuable political assets
‘Wike Remains Our Most Valuable Asset’ — PDP Rejects Any APC Move to Claim FCT Minister
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has firmly dismissed any suggestion that Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, could permanently align with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), declaring that the former Rivers State governor remains one of its most prized political assets and is “not for sale.”
The opposition party made its position known while reacting to comments credited to APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, who recently commended Wike’s performance and contributions to the APC-led administration during the commissioning of a major project in Abuja.
In a strongly worded statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Jungundo Mohammed Haruna, the PDP described the APC chairman’s remarks as a public acknowledgment of the quality of leadership within its ranks, insisting that Wike’s role in the current administration should not be interpreted as a political transfer.
“The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has noted with amusement the candid acknowledgment by the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), 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 (FCT), Ezenwo Nyesom Wike,” the statement said.
According to the party, the praise from the APC chairman reinforces its long-standing claim that it remains home to some of Nigeria’s most accomplished political leaders.
“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,” Haruna stated.
While welcoming what it described as the APC’s admiration for Wike, the PDP stressed that the minister remains a loyal member of the opposition party despite serving in President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
“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,” the statement added.
Using a football transfer analogy, the PDP argued that Wike’s participation in the APC-led government amounted only to a temporary arrangement.
“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 for a permanent transfer.”
The party went further to warn the ruling party against entertaining hopes of securing Wike’s permanent allegiance.
“We further wish to state that the PDP has no intention 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.”
Reaffirming its confidence in the FCT minister, the PDP said there were “no plans, ongoing negotiations, hidden clauses, or future options” that would allow Wike to leave the party, insisting that his political identity and loyalty remain firmly rooted in the PDP.
The opposition party also used the opportunity to highlight Wike’s performance as FCT Minister, crediting him with delivering major infrastructure projects, driving urban renewal initiatives and restoring public confidence in governance across the nation’s capital.
“There is no doubt that, through his visionary leadership, commitment to service, and delivery 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 statement noted.
The PDP described Wike as “one of the most consequential political figures of this era,” arguing that his influence, administrative effectiveness and ability to deliver results continue to resonate across Nigeria’s political landscape.
The party further maintained that it possesses a deep reservoir of competent leaders capable of replicating and surpassing similar achievements if given the opportunity to serve at higher levels of government.
In a veiled early campaign message ahead of the 2027 general elections, the PDP urged Nigerians to return the party to power, arguing that doing so would allow citizens to experience nationwide the kind of governance and development it says Wike has demonstrated in the Federal Capital Territory.
“We therefore call on Nigerians to once again entrust the PDP with leadership responsibilities across all elective positions in 2027,” the statement said.
The party concluded by thanking the APC chairman for what it described as his recognition of one of the PDP’s finest political products and, by extension, an acknowledgment of the party’s enduring capacity to provide credible leadership and practical solutions to Nigeria’s challenges.
