By Becky Momodu
A Kano federal lawmaker, Hon. Abdulmumin Jibrin, has called on leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to avoid publicly attacking the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, arguing that his political contributions to President Bola Tinubu’s administration should not be overlooked.
Jibrin made the call while appearing on Channels Television’s Politics Today, where he defended Wike amid recent criticism from some APC governors over the minister’s continued membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and his involvement in efforts supporting President Tinubu.
The lawmaker said Wike’s political activities had contributed to the APC’s electoral fortunes despite his formal membership of the opposition PDP.
“There is no APC member in Nigeria today that has not directly or indirectly benefited from the efforts of Wike,” Jibrin said.
He argued that political influence should be assessed largely by results, citing the outcome of the recent FCT Area Council elections, where the APC won five of the six councils.
Jibrin also claimed that Wike had made significant political sacrifices in support of the Tinubu administration, including persuading candidates associated with him to step down in favour of APC candidates during the council elections.
The lawmaker’s comments followed public criticism of Wike by Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma over his continued affiliation with the PDP while participating in efforts aimed at supporting President Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid.
Jibrin dismissed the concerns over Wike’s party membership, stressing that political alliances and electoral outcomes were important considerations.
He further urged APC leaders who have concerns about the FCT minister to engage him through dialogue rather than public exchanges that could undermine political cooperation.
According to him, Wike should be regarded as a strategic partner whose activities outside the formal structure of the APC have contributed to the party’s political objectives.
Jibrin also rejected suggestions that his defence of the FCT minister was motivated by a personal relationship, maintaining that his intervention was driven by what he described as the need to protect the political stability of the Tinubu administration.
He therefore appealed to party leaders to prioritise engagement and cooperation as preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum.
