PDP replies APC, says Wike is not for sale

Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, says the performance of the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, is a testament to the fact that the party remains a foremost reservoir of competent and result-oriented leaders.

The PDP National Publicity Secretary, Jungudo Mohammed, said this in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.

Mr Mohammed said the party noted with amusement the acknowledgment by the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, of Wike’s remarkable contributions and outstanding performance during a recent project inauguration in Abuja.

He described Yilwatda’s commendation as a public acknowledgment of the quality, competence and leadership capacity that PDP had continued to offer Nigeria.

Mohammed also said that the commendation reinforced the fact that PDP remained home to some of the country’s most accomplished leaders.

He, however, stated that while the PDP welcomed the admiration expressed by the APC national chairman, Wike remained a committed and loyal member of the opposition party.

“As Yilwatda himself implied, Wike’s engagement with the APC-led administration is best described as a loan arrangement.

“We wish to state unequivocally that the agreement contains no provision whatsoever for a permanent transfer deal.

“We further wish to state that PDP has no intention whatsoever of parting with one of its most valuable political assets, regardless of any offer or overture that may be made.

“APC is therefore advised to refrain from entertaining any hopes of a permanent acquisition, as such a move would be firmly resisted,” he said.

According to him, PDP is not in the business of disposing of its finest political talents.

“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.

“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 long-standing loyalty, commitment and immense contributions to PDP,” he said.

Mohammed said that the party’s leadership fully acknowledged and remained grateful for Wike’s role in strengthening and advancing the party over the years.

He added that through the minister’s visionary leadership and execution of landmark projects, he had transformed critical aspects of the nation’s capital, earning commendations from citizens across political divides.

“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 PDP has consistently produced in public office,” he said.

The PDP national chairman said the remarks by the APC national chairman further underscored the fact that Wike stood as an indispensable player in contemporary Nigerian politics.

“We are proud to state that 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,” he added.

Mohammed, therefore, called on Nigerians to, once again, entrust PDP with leadership responsibilities across all elective positions in the 2027 general elections.

This, he said, would provide the country with the opportunity of witnessing, on a broader scale, the kind of transformational development and effective governance exemplified by Wike in the FCT.(NAN)