The All Progressives Congress has defended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, saying he is constitutionally entitled to support any candidate of his choice, regardless of party affiliation.
Speaking on Morning Brief, a programme on Channels Television, the APC’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, dismissed criticisms trailing Wike’s open support for APC candidates during the February 21 FCT Area Council elections.
“If Nyesom Wike wants to campaign for any candidate in any party whatsoever, he has the inherent liberty to do so,” Morka said. “He is a citizen of Nigeria with rights guaranteed by the Constitution. He has the right to support any candidate he wants.”
The controversy followed the APC’s victory in five out of the six area councils contested in the FCT polls. Wike’s involvement drew attention after two chairmanship candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party Julius Adamu in Bwari and Zadna Dantani in Abuja Municipal Area Council stepped down from the race and endorsed APC candidates, moves reportedly linked to the minister’s intervention.
The PDP’s National Working Committee condemned the withdrawals, describing them as “shameful” and “anti-democratic.” The opposition party alleged that the decisions were made without its consent and amounted to a “forced consensus.”
Wike’s public alignment with APC candidates has since ignited debate over party loyalty and political realignments within Nigeria’s multi-party system. However, the APC maintains that his actions reflect personal constitutional freedoms rather than a coordinated party strategy.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu commended Wike’s contribution to the APC’s performance in the FCT elections and recent by-elections in Rivers State, further fueling discussions about shifting political alliances ahead of future contests.
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