Yilwatda made the statement on Wednesday during a media chat in Abuja, while addressing questions about Wike’s continued membership of the PDP despite serving in an APC-led government.

He explained that the appointment was not unusual, noting that past administrations had also appointed opposition members into ministerial positions.

According to him, former ministers such as Bala Mohammed and Adamu Aliero served under PDP-led governments despite their party affiliations at the time.

“President Jonathan discovered Bala Mohammed was good enough and brought him from ANPP,” he said.

“Aliero was also appointed by President Yar’Adua from ANPP because of his experience,” he added.

Yilwatda argued that criticism of President Tinubu over Wike’s appointment was unfair, insisting it followed past political precedents.

He also cited other opposition figures currently serving in the government, saying the focus on Wike alone was selective.

The APC chairman further claimed that Wike formally notified the PDP National Working Committee in 2023 before accepting the ministerial appointment, and that the party gave its approval.

“Wike wrote the National Working Committee of the PDP before he took the appointment,” he said.

“The National Working Committee approved that he should come and serve.”

Yilwatda maintained that Wike’s position in the current administration was with the consent of the PDP, not solely the APC.