The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, has stated that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, is free to join the ruling party if he so chooses.
Yilwatda made the remark during a media chat on Wednesday night, emphasizing that membership of the APC is voluntary and not a condition for serving in the current administration.
“If he wants to join the APC, he is free to do so. We don’t compel people to join APC. People willingly join APC,” he said.
He dismissed suggestions that political appointments under President Bola Tinubu are tied to party affiliation, noting that individuals are not required to join the APC before being considered for roles in government.
“There’s nowhere you will see that there was an agreement with us that you must join APC before you serve in our government,” Yilwatda added.
The APC chairman further highlighted what he described as President Tinubu’s inclusive leadership style, pointing out that even critics of the administration have been appointed into key positions.
“People that insulted Mr President, he appointed them. They are in our government. He didn’t ask them to join the APC,” he said.
His comments come amid ongoing political discussions about possible realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections, with speculation surrounding the political future of key figures such as Wike.
Wike, a former governor of Rivers State and a prominent figure in Nigerian politics, has maintained a complex relationship with major political parties in recent years, fueling debates about his next political move.
Analysts say Yilwatda’s statement signals an open-door approach by the ruling party, potentially aimed at attracting influential politicians across party lines while reinforcing the administration’s image as broad-based and inclusive.
As political activities gradually intensify ahead of the next election cycle, such remarks are expected to shape conversations around alliances, party membership, and the evolving dynamics within Nigeria’s political landscape.
