By Our Correspondent

National News – Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike has defended his recent visit to the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Nentawe Yilwatda, dismissing political speculations surrounding the meeting.

Wike said the visit was personal and should not be interpreted as a political alliance or secret negotiation ahead of the 2027 elections.

The former Rivers State governor spoke on Wednesday during an inspection of ongoing road projects in Karu, Apo-Karshi and Kubwa in the Federal Capital Territory.

According to him, political differences should not stop public officials from maintaining cordial relationships outside official duties.

Wike explained that he and Yilwatda had known each other before the APC chairman assumed office.

He questioned why Nigerians were reading political meanings into ordinary social interactions between leaders from different political parties.

The minister revealed that the APC chairman had earlier tried several times to meet him officially at his office before the recent visit eventually took place at Yilwatda’s residence in Abuja.

He stressed that there was nothing unusual about the meeting and insisted he was not under any obligation to release details of his private engagements.

Addressing criticism over the visit, Wike maintained that freedom of association remains a constitutional right regardless of political affiliation.

Although he remains a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, he currently serves in the cabinet of President Bola Tinubu.

Wike also stated that his major concern is governance and infrastructure development across the FCT rather than political gossip.

He said his focus is on delivering visible projects that will improve the lives of residents and satisfy the expectations of the administration he serves.

The minister warned against politicising every meeting involving political figures, noting that such assumptions distract attention from governance and public service delivery.