I’m Not Afraid to Join APC If I Choose To — Wike

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has stated that he is not intimidated by the prospect of joining the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) if he decides to do so.

Wike made the declaration while addressing his reasons for not supporting the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, in the 2023 elections. He attributed his decision to the lack of equity and fairness within the PDP.

Wike’s Stand on PDP and Atiku’s Candidacy

Explaining his stance, Wike said, “I came out in this country and said I was not going to support Atiku’s presidency because there was no fairness, no justice, and no equity in the PDP. I didn’t hide it.”

He emphasized his transparency, asserting that he is not the type to express contradictory views in public and private.

“Nigerians know me. What I say, I do. What I won’t do, I won’t do. I said I wasn’t going to support this, and I have no regrets about it.”

No Secret Talks with Tinubu
The minister denied having any discussions with President Bola Tinubu about joining the APC before the 2023 polls.

“I never spoke with the President any day to say, ‘I’ll go to APC.’ I never told anybody that,”* Wike said.

He dismissed speculations that he might be hesitant about switching parties, saying, “Nobody should think I’m afraid.

If I want to join APC, I can. Who’s that person I’d be afraid of? Who is that person in the PDP?”*

Wike’s remarks have further highlighted the tensions within the PDP following its defeat in the 2023 elections and his subsequent appointment as a minister in Tinubu’s APC-led administration.