National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has emphatically stated that there is no possibility of letting its “most valuable asset”, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) on a permanent basis.

The party noted that Wike was loaned to the APC to serve in the government and would return to the original owners, the PDP, on completion of the national assignment.

The PDP was reacting to comments made by the National Chairman of the APC, Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, when he praised the achievements of Wike in the last three years as a minister under the APC’s administration.

Yilwatda, who was speaking during the inauguration of new projects in Abuja, also expressed admiration for the leadership qualities of the minister.

However, on Wednesday, the PDP replied to the APC chairman, stressing that while Wike remained on loan to the APC’s government, the party was not in any way considering the option of letting him join the APC on a permanent basis.

“The commendation by the APC National Chairman is yet another public acknowledgment of the quality, competence, and leadership capacity that the PDP continues to offer Nigeria. It also reinforces the fact that the PDP remains home to some of the country’s most accomplished and result-oriented leaders.

“However, while we welcome the open admiration expressed by the APC National Chairman and the glowing accolades showered on our National Leader, it is necessary to clarify that Barrister Wike remains a committed and loyal member of the Peoples Democratic Party.

“As Professor Yilwatda himself implied, Barrister Wike’s engagement with the APC-led administration is best described as a loan arrangement, and we wish to state unequivocally that the agreement contains no provision whatsoever for a permanent transfer deal”, the PDP stated.

The National Publicity Secretary, Jungudo Haruna Mohammed, who reacted on behalf of the party, noted, “We further wish to state that the PDP has no intention whatsoever of parting with one of its most valuable political assets, regardless of any offers or overtures that may be made. The APC is therefore advised to refrain from entertaining any hopes of a permanent acquisition, as such a move would be firmly resisted.

“The PDP is not in the business of disposing of its finest political talents. Barrister Nyesom Wike remains one of the Party’s most valuable assets and there are no plans, ongoing negotiations, hidden clauses, or future options that would permit a permanent move.”

The PDP insisted that Wike was not on transfer to the APC and would not change his loyalty.

“His service in the current APC-led administration should not be misconstrued for a possible political transfer. It does not in any way alter his political identity or diminish his longstanding loyalty, commitment, and immense contributions to the Peoples Democratic Party. The present leadership of the Party fully acknowledges, appreciates, and remains grateful for his invaluable role in strengthening and advancing the PDP over the years”, the party added.

It stated further, “It is not in doubt that, through his visionary leadership, commitment to service, and execution of numerous landmark projects, Barrister Wike has transformed critical aspects of the nation’s capital, earning commendation from citizens across political, ethnic, and religious divides. The PDP is proud of his exceptional performance as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

“His achievements in infrastructure development, urban renewal, and the restoration of public confidence in governance have further demonstrated the capacity and competence that the PDP has consistently produced in public office. His performance serves as yet another testament to the fact that the PDP remains the foremost reservoir of competent and result-oriented leaders.

“Indeed, the remarks by the APC National Chairman further underscore the fact that Barrister Nyesom Wike stands today as a clear example of an indispensable player in contemporary Nigerian politics. His influence, political relevance, administrative effectiveness, and ability to deliver tangible results continue to resonate across the political landscape, making him one of the most consequential political figures of this era.

“We are proud to state that the PDP is also replete with numerous capable leaders and technocrats who, if given similar opportunities, would surpass the performance of many current APC office holders. This enduring depth of leadership remains one our Party’s greatest strengths.”

The party urged Nigerians to support it in 2027 so that a PDP government would provide more of the laudable services Wike was delivering in the FCT.

“We, therefore, call on Nigerians to once again entrust the PDP with leadership responsibilities across all elective positions in 2027. Doing so will provide the nation with the opportunity to witness, on a broader national scale, the kind of transformational development and effective governance exemplified by Barrister Nyesom Wike in the Federal Capital Territory.”, it said.

“We finally thank the APC National Chairman for his generous recognition of one of the PDP’s finest products and, by extension, his acknowledgment of the enduring value of the Peoples Democratic Party as a political party capable of offering credible leadership and practical solutions to national challenges.” (TRIBUNE)

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