In a move charged with political symbolism, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday extended a public invitation to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), stating that the party would “gladly welcome” him when he decides to cross over.
The invitation came during the commissioning of the newly completed Arterial Road N16 to Arterial Road N20, along with connecting roads in Abuja’s Katampe District. The President praised the FCT Administration for its cooperation on the project, singling out Wike for what he described as “noteworthy commitment to delivery,” even as he reminded the crowd that the minister remains unaffiliated with the APC—at least for now.
“We have somebody in Nyesom Wike,” Tinubu began, drawing applause. “He’s not a member of our party, not yet. But the day he changes his mind and registers with the progressives, we will welcome him. Because we will join him in singing, ‘as e dey pain them, e dey sweet us,’” he added, echoing a street-pop lyric that stoked both laughter and speculation.
This isn’t the first time Tinubu and Wike have publicly appeared to share political chemistry despite their differing affiliations. Since leaving office as Rivers State Governor, Wike has maintained a controversial but strategic presence on the national stage, often siding with the federal government on key issues despite his Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) roots.
Observers say this latest gesture may be part of a broader effort by Tinubu to consolidate political strength amid rising internal challenges within the APC and a volatile national landscape.
But Wednesday’s event wasn’t all politics. Tinubu used the platform to highlight the symbolic and strategic importance of infrastructure development, stressing that the completed roads in Katampe were “proof” of his administration’s “Renewed Hope Agenda.”
“This project represents more than a stretch of asphalt,” Tinubu declared. “It affirms our commitment to urban transformation… Infrastructure is not a luxury. It is a necessity.”
According to the President, his government is focused on coordinated investments across key sectors, including roads, power, healthcare, education, and digital infrastructure. “It is only through this integrated development that we can unlock Nigeria’s full potential. I promise you, we will,” he said.
As rumors swirl over Wike’s next political move, Tinubu’s open-door pitch adds fuel to the fire. Whether Wike formally jumps ship remains to be seen—but the message from Aso Rock is clear: the welcome mat is out, and the party is waiting.📌 Updates pending Wike’s official response or political realignment.
