APC National Chairman Defends Working Relationship with Nyesom Wike Amid FCT Leadership Tensions

APC Chairman Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda defends the party's relationship with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and announces ₦250M for Abuja congresses.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 15, 2026, 4:27 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Politics Nigeria

Formalizing the Alliance with Opposition Figures

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, has officially addressed the growing speculation regarding the party's strategic partnership with Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. Speaking after a high level stakeholder meeting in Abuja, Yilwatda clarified that the collaboration with the former Rivers State Governor is not a backroom deal but a structured arrangement. He emphasized that Wike followed established protocols by securing approval from his primary party, the Peoples Democratic Party, before joining the current administration. This transparency, according to Yilwatda, was a prerequisite for his appointment and remains the foundation of their ongoing cooperation within the FCT.

Addressing Discontent Among Founding Members

The alliance has not been without friction, as several long standing APC members in Abuja have expressed concern over the rising influence of PDP defectors within the party’s local structures. Yilwatda acknowledged these tensions, noting that the influx of new entrants has created a sense of displacement among those who have been with the party since its inception. However, he cautioned founding members against abandoning the party due to this pressure. He argued that the inclusion of figures like Wike is a tactical necessity for governance and stability in the capital, urging veterans to focus on the broader goal of administrative success rather than localized internal competition.

Financial Commitment to FCT Congresses

To stabilize the local political landscape, the APC chairman announced that the party has earmarked over ₦250 million specifically for the conduct of ward and state congresses within the Federal Capital Territory. This significant financial allocation is intended to ensure that the selection of party leaders is handled through a credible and transparent process. Yilwatda stated that a well funded and fair electoral cycle within the party is the only way to resolve current disputes and provide a sense of belonging to all factions. This move is seen as an attempt to professionalize internal transitions and reduce the likelihood of further fractures ahead of the 2027 general elections.