Tinubu is my boss, not APC, Wike declares

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared that he is working for President Bola Tinubu and not the All Progressives Congress (APC) as a party. Wike made this statement during an interview with Channel TV on Wednesday, August 30, 2023.

Wike, who was a former governor of Rivers State and a prominent member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), said he decided to join Tinubu’s cabinet because of his respect and admiration for the president. He said he was not interested in the internal affairs of the APC or its policies but only in delivering his mandate as the minister of the FCT.

“I am not an APC member. I am a PDP member. But I am working for President Tinubu because he is the president of Nigeria, and he appointed me as a minister. I have a personal relationship with him, and I believe in his vision for the country. He is a leader that I respect and trust. He has given me a task, and I will do it to the best of my ability,” Wike said.

Wike also dismissed the speculation that he was planning to defect to the APC or contest for any elective position in 2027. He said he was focused on his current assignment and had no ambition to run for office. He also denied any rift with his former party, the PDP, or its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, who is challenging Tinubu’s victory at the presidential election tribunal.

“I have not left the PDP. I am still a PDP member. I have not joined the APC. I am only working for President Tinubu as a minister. I have no intention to defect or run for office in 2027. I am happy with what I am doing now, and I will continue to do it until my tenure expires or the president decides otherwise. I have no problem with the PDP or Atiku. They are my friends and brothers. I wish them well at the tribunal,” Wike said.