President Bola Tinubu publicly praised FCT Minister Nyesom Wike for his infrastructural achievements in Abuja, despite Wike’s allegiance to the opposition PDP, and said that the former Rivers governor would be warmly embraced should he defect to the APC.
He made the remarks on Wednesday, 11 June 2025, while commissioning major road and bridge projects in Abuja. Applauding Wike’s performance, Tinubu said political affiliation had not hindered the minister’s delivery.
He further indicated that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) would welcome Wike if he chose to switch parties. The comments spotlight potential political realignments ahead of the 2027 elections.
Speaking at the commissioning of the Maitama-Gishiri Bridge and the Katampe, Jahi, and Mabushi Link Roads, Tinubu described Wike as a valuable asset to national development, regardless of party lines.
“We have somebody in Nyesom Wike. He is not a member of my party, not yet, but the day he changes his mind and registers with the progressives, we will welcome him,” the president declared.
He continued with a reference to Wike’s popular political refrain: “Because we will join him in singing, ‘as e dey pain them, e dey sweet us.’ To the glory of God, I declare this road commissioned and to the benefit of humanity.”
Tinubu emphasised that Wike’s execution of strategic infrastructure projects has elevated the capital city and aligned with the federal government’s broader development agenda.
He added: “Despite not being a member of the APC, Wike has shown commitment to the tasks handed to him. I reaffirm our commitment that we would continue to build, we would continue to serve the people, no matter how much the naysayers pursue the politics.”