The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has responded to public speculation surrounding his recent visit to the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, insisting that he is not obligated to explain his private engagements to anyone.
The visit, which trended online and sparked political interpretations, was described by some observers as unusual given Wike’s political affiliation. However, the minister dismissed the claims, stressing that the meeting was not politically motivated but rather a personal and professional courtesy.
Speaking after an inspection tour of projects in Abuja on Wednesday, Wike said his actions should not be misinterpreted through a partisan lens, adding that he maintains cordial relationships across political divides.
He explained that the visit was a reciprocal gesture after repeated attempts by the APC chairman to meet him.
He said: “Did I go there for any meeting? I mean, why would I tell you about my private life? If I come to visit you to have a drink with you, I will tell the whole world that I’m going there to have a drink with you.
“Who has ever told me when they go for their own drink? Come on, let us know that we have our freedom to associate with whom we want to sit with.”
Wike further questioned the public interest in his private movements, insisting that he does not engage in adversarial or “politics of enmity.”
“That is their business. Whatever they think is their business, it’s their headache. I don’t play politics of enmity,” he said.
He also noted that such interactions are not unusual, recalling that political figures across parties have visited him in the past, and he sees nothing wrong with maintaining such relationships.
“So what I should do, if I see him, I will hide. And if he sees me, he should run away? People should continue to say whatever they want to say,” he added.
The minister maintained that his focus remains on governance and delivering on his responsibilities, rather than public interpretations of his social or political interactions.
