…Says Minister Working for Government, Not Party
…Dismisses His Influence on FCT APC
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, on Tuesday clarified the party’s relationship with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, stating that the arrangement was approved by the National Working Committee (NWC) of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
Yilwatda, who spoke with journalists after a stakeholders meeting of the APC in the FCT, stressed that Wike, being a member of the PDP, has no influence over the affairs of the APC in the territory.
He maintained that the FCT chapter of the party remains under the control of the national leadership, dismissing insinuations that the minister dictates party activities.
“The Minister is working for the government, not for the party,” he said, adding that the APC has never consulted Wike on its internal matters.
The APC chairman further explained that the minister formally sought and obtained approval from the PDP to serve in the APC-led government, describing the arrangement as a “working relationship” between political actors across party lines.
According to him, such alliances are not unprecedented in Nigeria’s political history, recalling similar collaborations in past administrations.
Responding to concerns raised by some stakeholders over alleged marginalisation and lack of political patronage in the FCT, Yilwatda dismissed claims that the territory has more party members than some states.
“Statistically, that may not be correct,” he said.
“In terms of population, most states in Nigeria have more people than the FCT. Only a few states have less. Based on data from INEC, the FCT is among the least populated compared to states across the country.”
On allegations of interference by the APC National Headquarters, the chairman said party processes are centrally coordinated nationwide.
“What I advocate is greater autonomy, but we must understand that elections and congresses are conducted by the national leadership across the country. What is happening in the FCT is not unique,” he explained.
Addressing concerns about the perceived influence of the FCT Minister in APC matters, Yilwatda was emphatic that Wike plays no role in party decisions.
“The party determines its affairs. The FCT APC is under the purview of the National Chairman,” he said.
He revealed that a committee made up entirely of APC members was constituted to handle zoning and the sharing formula within the FCT chapter, adding that its decisions have been implemented without complaints.
“The committee was chaired by the Minister of Special Duties, a bona fide APC member, and the outcome has been followed to the letter. No member has complained of being cheated,” he noted.
Reiterating the minister’s political status, Yilwatda said, “He is not a member of our party. We have never conferred with him on APC matters. He wrote to the PDP at the inception of this administration, and the PDP approved his participation in this government.”
On the issue of internal divisions within the party, particularly between legacy members and new entrants, the APC chairman denied the existence of factions.
“We do not recognise factions. We only have members of the APC,” he said.
He, however, outlined measures taken to ensure inclusiveness within the party, including: Gender representation across leadership positions; Geopolitical balancing to reflect national diversity, fair distribution between legacy members and new entrants.
Inclusion of indigenous FCT communities, Active participation of youths.
“Our party has one of the youngest demographics in the country. About 50 per cent of our members are between 18 and 35 years, while nearly 80 per cent fall within 18 and 50. These figures are verifiable,” he added.
Also speaking, a party leader in the FCT, Minister of Special Duties, Hon Zaphinnah Jisalo, expressed confidence in the direction of the APC in the territory.
“We are making steady progress, and there is no cause for concern. The ideology of the party will guide our actions, and we will ensure fairness and justice for all members,” he said.
The APC leadership reiterated its commitment to strengthening internal democracy while maintaining that its structures and processes remain uniform across the country.
