The North Central Zone of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has formally invited the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to defect from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and join the ruling party. This appeal was made by Adamu Mohammed Yakubu, the zonal secretary of the APC for the North Central, during an interactive session with journalists in Abuja on Thursday.

Yakubu expressed profound admiration for Minister Wike's performance in the FCT, drawing parallels to his achievements in his previous role as state governor. He stated, “The truth is that when Barr Nyesom Wike was appointed, we were very happy, knowing what he has done in his state and how he is handling projects. We know that things will get better.” This commendation underscores the APC's belief in Wike's capacity for effective governance and project execution, which they see as a significant asset to the current administration.

However, Yakubu also highlighted a political paradox: Wike, a prominent chieftain of the PDP, holds a pivotal ministerial position within President Bola Tinubu’s government, an arrangement that has generated considerable tension within his own party. The APC leader emphasized that any individual serving as the FCT Minister under a particular administration is inherently expected to be the leader of that administration’s party within the territory. “Any person who is the minister of the Federal Capital Territory under an administration of a party is automatically the leader of that party. That is where we are getting an issue,” Yakubu asserted, indicating the APC's desire for Wike to align his party affiliation with his current governmental role.

The invitation was framed as both an appeal and a critical assessment of the PDP’s current state. Yakubu boldly declared, “PDP now is on life support. Very soon, they will announce its death. Wike is the only life support holding the party, and when he comes to the APC, the death of PDP will be announced.” This statement suggests that the APC views Wike's potential defection as a decisive blow to the opposition party, consolidating the ruling party's influence.

The FCT chapter of the APC has assured Wike of a warm reception and unwavering loyalty should he choose to join their ranks. Yakubu reaffirmed their readiness, stating, “He has made this administration proud with the complete transformation of the FCT, which no administration has ever done, and we are ready to give him 100 percent loyalty if he decides to join us.” The APC believes Wike’s political experience would significantly bolster their party’s strength and operational capacity.

Even if Minister Wike opts to remain with the PDP, Yakubu appealed for greater inclusion of APC members in the FCT administration. This request mirrors President Tinubu's bipartisan approach to governance, where Wike himself, despite his party affiliation, was brought into the cabinet. “If he eventually still remains there, he should carry us along like the president carried him. The party in FCT APC is only a little distance from him,” he noted, advocating for a more inclusive administrative framework within the FCT.