Tinubu says Wike welcome to join APC whenever he chooses

By Kunle Sanni

President Bola Tinubu has said that Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, will be warmly welcomed into the All Progressives Congress (APC) whenever he decides to formally join the party.

Speaking at the commissioning of Arterial Road N16 and other infrastructure projects in the Katampe District of Abuja, President Tinubu praised Wike’s contributions to governance and jokingly referenced the former Rivers State governor’s popular campaign phrase.

“We have somebody—Nyesom Wike—he is not a member of my party, not yet,” the President said.

“But the day he changes his mind and registers with the progressives, we will welcome him. Because we will enjoy singing, ‘as e dey pain dem, e dey sweet us.’”

The remark drew laughter from the crowd and a smile from Wike, highlighting the growing camaraderie between the President and the Minister despite their differing political affiliations.

Wike, a prominent member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has worked closely with the Tinubu administration since his appointment as FCT Minister in 2023. His collaboration with the ruling party has fueled speculation about a possible defection.