Tinubu To Wike, The Door Of APC Is Open To You.
President Bola Tinubu has publicly invited Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and a prominent Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) figure, to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), stating, “We will welcome you to APC whenever you decide.” The remarks, made during the commissioning of the refurbished International Conference Centre in Abuja on 10 June, have sparked widespread discussion about Wike’s political future and the dynamics within Nigeria’s political landscape.
Tinubu’s comments came as he praised Wike’s transformative work in the FCT, including infrastructure upgrades and the renaming of the conference centre in the president’s honour. “Although you’re not in my party yet, I will welcome you the day you register as an APC member,” Tinubu said, urging Wike to ignore critics and continue his efforts. The statement, widely shared on social media platforms has been interpreted as a strategic move to woo Wike, whose influence in Rivers State and the PDP has made him a key political player.
Wike, the former governor of Rivers State, has been a polarizing figure within the PDP since his fallout with the party’s leadership during the 2023 presidential primaries. His subsequent appointment as FCT minister under Tinubu’s APC-led administration fuelled speculation about his loyalty to the PDP, with many viewing him as aligned with the ruling party in all but name. Wike’s role in supporting Tinubu’s 2023 election campaign, alongside other PDP dissenters in the G5 group, further strained his relationship with the PDP, leading to accusations of anti-party activities.
The invitation from Tinubu comes amid heightened tensions within the PDP, with critics like Dele Momodu accusing Wike of orchestrating a “coup” against the party’s leadership and exacerbating the political crisis in Rivers State. Momodu, speaking on Channels Television, claimed Wike’s influence has created the impression of Nigeria having “two presidents.” Wike’s camp has dismissed such criticisms, with aide Lere Olayinka defending the minister’s contributions to the FCT and rejecting allegations of disloyalty to the PDP.
Wike has not publicly responded to Tinubu’s offer, but sources close to the minister indicate he remains focused on his role in the FCT. His tenure has been marked by significant infrastructure projects, earning praise from Tinubu and APC supporters, though critics argue his actions prioritise political expediency over democratic principles. The PDP, meanwhile, faces internal challenges, with factions loyal to Wike clashing with those backing former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and other leaders.
Political observers note that Tinubu’s overture could be a calculated effort to consolidate power by absorbing key opposition figures like Wike, whose influence in Rivers State remains formidable. However, it risks further destabilising the PDP and intensifying Nigeria’s already polarised political climate. As the nation marks Democracy Day on 12 June, Tinubu’s remarks underscore the fluidity of political loyalties in Nigeria, with Wike’s decision likely to have far-reaching implications for both the APC and the PDP.
