PDP Approved Wike’s Role in Tinubu’s Cabinet – Yilwatda

Nentawe Yilwatda, National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has stated that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) approved the appointment of Nyesom Wike as a minister in the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

Yilwatda made the clarification on Wednesday during a media chat in Abuja while addressing concerns over Wike’s role as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) despite being a PDP member.

Responding to criticisms, he said there is nothing unusual about appointing members of opposition parties into government positions, noting that similar precedents exist in Nigeria’s political history.

He cited instances where past presidents appointed individuals from opposition parties into key roles, including former Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed and former Kebbi State Governor Adamu Aliero, who both served as FCT ministers under administrations led by different political parties.

According to Yilwatda, the backlash against President Tinubu’s decision is unwarranted, as previous administrations took similar steps without attracting criticism.

He also pointed out that Wike is not the only non-APC member serving in the current administration, referencing the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu, who is a member of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

Yilwatda further revealed that Wike formally sought permission from the PDP before accepting the ministerial position, adding that the party’s National Working Committee granted its approval.

He maintained that Wike’s appointment was done with the consent of the PDP, stressing that the APC merely acted in line with that approval.