President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed his willingness to welcome the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, into the All Progressives Congress (APC) should he choose to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Tinubu made the remarks on Wednesday during the commissioning of the Arterial Road N16 and other infrastructure projects in the Katampe District of Abuja.
Commending Wike’s performance in office, the President lauded his leadership qualities and playfully referenced the former Rivers State governor’s popular political slogan.
“Nyesom Wike is not yet a member of my party (APC), but the day he decides to join the progressives, we will gladly welcome him. We will even enjoy singing, ‘as e dey pain dem, e dey sweet us,’” Tinubu quipped.
His comments came a day after urging Wike to remain steadfast in his duties amid criticism over his leadership of the FCT.
Speaking at the inauguration of the refurbished International Conference Centre—now renamed the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre—the President described Wike as a visionary and transformational leader.
“Don’t listen to the busybodies and onlookers. Stay focused. You are a transformational leader with vision, foresight, and determination,” Tinubu said.
He emphasized that the renovation of the centre aligns with his administration’s broader mission to rebrand the nation through excellence and purposeful governance.
“This project is a reflection of our collective resolve to change the way we do things, to showcase ourselves as a people of character, quality, and resilience,” he added.
Reiterating his administration’s commitment to infrastructure development, Tinubu said key investments across various sectors remain crucial to national progress.
“Under the Renewed Hope Agenda, we are committed to revitalizing infrastructure and other essential sectors including transportation, healthcare, education, energy, and urban development. Modern infrastructure is the backbone of a thriving, inclusive, and forward-looking society,” he stated.
