During the inauguration of the Shehu Shagari Way and other projects in the Katampe district of Abuja on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu openly extended an invitation to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Tinubu’s remarks, delivered amidst applause and laughter from the audience, including Wike himself, highlighted the FCT Minister’s impressive performance in his role and hinted at a future political alignment. The President stated, “He (Wike) is not a member of my party — not yet. But the day he changes his mind and joins the progressives, we’ll welcome him with open arms.” He further added, with a touch of humor, “Because we will enjoy him singing as ‘e dey sweet us.'” This phrase references a popular anthem Wike often used to mock his political adversaries.
The President praised Wike’s leadership and collaborative approach to governance, attributing the successful completion of the road project to his teamwork and dedication. He emphasized that Wike “could not achieve this alone without your full cooperation as a team builder and player. You have proved that teamwork is the hallmark of good leadership.”
Tinubu also used the occasion to reiterate his administration’s commitment to urban transformation and infrastructure development under his “Renewed Hope Agenda.” He described the newly commissioned road as a “critical infrastructure” that represents more than just asphalt, but rather a tangible proof of his administration’s philosophy of reform and regeneration. He stressed that infrastructure is a necessity for national competitiveness, growth, social integration, and economic opportunity, promising continued investment in roads, rail, power, healthcare, education, and digital infrastructure.
Nyesom Wike, who is officially a member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has been a subject of much political speculation due to his close working relationship with the Tinubu administration and his public support for Tinubu during the 2023 general election. Despite his PDP membership, Wike accepted a ministerial appointment from the APC-led government, a move that has deepened internal rifts within the PDP. He has publicly pledged to support Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027 and has reportedly stated his readiness to lead the campaign in Rivers State.
The invitation from President Tinubu further fuels the narrative of a potential defection by Wike to the APC, a move that would significantly impact the political landscape, particularly within the PDP.
“We Will Welcome You To APC Whenever You Decide” — President Tinubu Tells Wike
