The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, has stated that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, is at liberty to join the ruling party if he so desires.
Yilwatda made the remark during a media chat on Wednesday night, emphasizing that the APC does not coerce individuals into joining its ranks, as membership remains a voluntary decision.
“If he wants to join the APC, he is free to do so. We don’t compel people to join APC. People willingly join APC,” he said.
The APC chairman also dismissed speculation that political appointments under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu are contingent on party affiliation. According to him, several individuals who had previously criticised the president are currently serving in his administration.
“There’s nowhere you will see that there was an agreement with us that you must join APC before you serve in our government,” Yilwatda noted.
He further stressed that the president’s leadership style is inclusive, citing instances where critics have been appointed into key positions.
“People that insulted Mr President, he appointed them. They are in our government. He didn’t ask them to join the APC,” he said.
Yilwatda added that President Tinubu has demonstrated a willingness to embrace dissenting voices rather than exclude them, describing the approach as a hallmark of open leadership.
“Those that insulted him, he welcomed them in broad daylight,” he added.
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