Former House of Representatives member Abdulmumin Jibrin has come to the defence of Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, describing him as an important political asset to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Tinubu.
Jibrin made the remarks while appearing on Channels Television’s Politics Today, where he urged members of the ruling party, particularly APC governors, to adopt a more diplomatic approach when dealing with the former Rivers State governor.
According to Jibrin, Wike’s activities and political decisions have provided benefits to members of the ruling party, despite the minister remaining a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
He argued that it would be difficult for any APC member to claim that Wike’s political involvement had not, directly or indirectly, contributed to the party’s interests.
Jibrin said Wike had made considerable personal and political sacrifices in support of Tinubu’s administration and the APC. He specifically pointed to the minister’s influence in Rivers State, claiming that Wike had helped create conditions that strengthened the APC’s presence in the state.
The former lawmaker therefore urged APC stakeholders to recognise Wike’s contribution rather than subjecting him to public criticism.
Jibrin said the APC Governors’ Forum should have approached its disagreements with Wike through private discussions and negotiations instead of allowing the disagreements to become a public confrontation.
He maintained that political differences were inevitable but could be handled more effectively through dialogue and diplomacy.
Jibrin also referred to Wike’s continued involvement in the Tinubu administration despite remaining a PDP member. He suggested that the minister’s position had enabled the Federal Government to work with political actors outside the APC and manage relationships with opposition figures.
The lawmaker argued that Wike’s political significance extends beyond his responsibilities as FCT minister, noting that his relationships across party lines have also played a role in the administration’s broader political calculations.
Jibrin further said Wike’s contribution should not be viewed solely through the lens of party membership. In his assessment, the minister’s actions have demonstrated that political cooperation can sometimes extend beyond formal party boundaries.
He urged APC governors to regard Wike as part of the wider political structure supporting the Tinubu administration and to avoid treating him as an outsider because of his PDP affiliation.
The former legislator acknowledged that Wike has his own political style and methods but said such differences should be managed rather than allowed to undermine cooperation.
Jibrin’s comments come amid growing disagreements between Wike and some APC governors. The FCT minister has recently faced criticism from sections of the ruling party, particularly over his political activities and his continued membership of the PDP while serving in Tinubu’s cabinet.
Jibrin, however, argued that the focus should remain on the contributions Wike has made to the administration and the political structure supporting the President.
He also noted that some politicians outside the APC have expressed concern over public attacks directed at Wike. According to him, individuals working with opposition platforms such as the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and African Democratic Congress (ADC) had contacted him about the controversy surrounding the minister.
Jibrin said such reactions demonstrated that the situation was being closely watched beyond the APC.
He consequently advised party leaders to avoid actions that could unnecessarily deepen divisions among political allies and supporters of the administration.
The lawmaker’s intervention comes as political activities surrounding the 2027 general election continue to intensify, with parties and political actors increasingly focused on alliances, cooperation and the mobilisation of support ahead of the poll.
While Jibrin’s comments represent his own assessment of Wike’s political role, the minister’s continued position within Tinubu’s government despite his PDP membership remains a subject of debate among political stakeholders.
Wike was appointed Minister of the Federal Capital Territory by President Tinubu in August 2023 after serving two terms as governor of Rivers State. His decision to remain in the PDP while serving in the APC-led federal government has continued to attract political attention.
Jibrin’s central argument was that disagreements involving Wike should be managed through engagement rather than public confrontation, particularly as political actors prepare for the 2027 election cycle.
