Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has defended his decision to host the factional leader of the Labour Party, Julius Abure.
Speaking during a media parley in Abuja on Monday, Wike argued that like the manner journalists relate, political engagement across party lines is normal
Last month, Abure met with Wike at the minister’s residence in Abuja. After much public criticism, Abure said the meeting was wrongly interpreted.
The Labour Party factional leader insisted that as a Nigerian, he had the right to meet with public officials.
Responding to the controversy, Wike said it is not unusual for politicians to meet and discuss matters of mutual interest.
“Now, they said Abure came… of course. He is a politician. I am a politician. What is wrong?” he said
“Politicians meet themselves. Just like you, journalists, you meet. Is there any crime?”
He added: “I met with the governors of Edo, Ebonyi and Kogi states. They are my friends. We relate. I was once in their shoes,” Wike said.
“We ask each other questions — how did you do this? How are you handling this?”
Asked whether his meeting with Abure was related to plans for the 2027 general election, Wike declined to give details, stating that it was unnecessary to disclose political strategies.
