The All Progressives Congress on Monday defended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over his support for its candidates in the February 21 Area Council elections in Abuja.
The party, through its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, said Wike has the right as a Nigerian citizen to campaign for any candidate of his choice, no matter the political party involved.
Morka spoke during an appearance on Channels Television’s Morning Brief, where he addressed concerns about Wike’s open backing of APC candidates during the local government polls.
According to him, the Nigerian Constitution gives every citizen freedom of association and political choice, and that right also applies to Wike despite his membership of the Peoples Democratic Party.
The FCT elections ended with the APC winning five out of the six area councils, a result that drew attention to Wike’s role in the process.
Before the election, two PDP chairmanship candidates — Julius Adamu in Bwari and Zadna Dantani in the Abuja Municipal Area Council — stepped down from the race and declared support for the APC contenders. Their withdrawal followed moves linked to Wike.
The PDP National Working Committee criticised the development, describing the action of the candidates as wrong and against party principles.
The party also claimed that the withdrawals were done without its approval and suggested that pressure was involved in the decision.
Wike’s involvement in the election has led to debate about loyalty within political parties and the limits of cross-party support in Nigeria’s multi-party system.
However, the APC maintained that his actions were based on personal choice and not part of any unlawful plan.
President Bola Tinubu also praised the minister for his role in the APC’s success in the FCT elections and in the by-elections held in Rivers State on the same day.
The controversy continues to stir reactions within political circles as parties prepare for future contests.