President Bola Tinubu has openly called on Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former Governor of Rivers State, to officially join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The invitation was extended during the commissioning of a major road project in Abuja on Wednesday, where Tinubu praised Wike’s performance in office and described him as a valuable asset—even though he is still a member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Tinubu noted that Wike’s defection would be a significant win for the APC and joked that while it might upset some, it would bring satisfaction to the ruling party.
Key Details
- What was said: Tinubu praised Wike’s role in delivering the Katampe arterial roads project. He said, “We have somebody in Nyesom Wike. He’s not a member of our party, not yet. But the day he changes his mind … we will welcome him.”
- Setting: The remark came amid the commissioning of the Arterial Road N16 to N20, part of Tinubu’s administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda focused on infrastructure reform.
- Tinubu’s pitch:
- He suggested that Wike’s entry into APC would bring joy to the party and discomfort to its opponents, saying “as e dey pain them, e dey sweet us.”
- Tinubu described infrastructure as Nigeria’s development backbone, highlighting investments in roads, power, healthcare, education, and digital infrastructure.
Why It Matters
- Political Realignment: Wike, a senior PDP figure and former Rivers State Governor, joining APC would be a major shift—potentially weakening the PDP and reshaping the political balance ahead of the 2027 elections.
- Signal to Other Elites: Tinubu’s open invitation signals to other PDP leaders that APC is actively courting high-profile figures, highlighting a strategic build-up ahead of future polls.
- Governance Continuity: The appeal also reflects Tinubu’s emphasis on consolidating his infrastructural gains and building a unified team around his Renewed Hope Agenda.
What’s Next
- Wike’s Response: All eyes are on whether Wike will respond by switching loyalty—some hint he might, others anticipate he’ll remain with PDP.
- PDP Reaction: The party may respond by reaffirming Wike’s loyalty and attempting to retain him as a key asset in Rivers State and national politics.
- Potential Defections: A shift by Wike could trigger a wave of realignments among other influential leaders, reshaping campaign dynamics ahead of 2027.
