Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike has defended his alignment with President Bola Tinubu, arguing that recent defections from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) vindicate his earlier political choices.
Speaking on Wednesday at the flag-off of the main carriageways on the Outer Southern Expressway in Abuja, Wike responded to critics who had accused him of undermining the PDP and covertly supporting the APC. โI have been watching on daily television and social media, people who said I want to destabilise the party, I am working for the APC,โ Wike said. โAll of them are now in the APC. So, which means if it is true, they should commend me for working for where they are heading.โ
Wike, 57, remains a PDP member but has served in the APC-led federal cabinet since 2023. He played a key role in delivering votes for Tinubu in Rivers State during the 2023 presidential election, despite his party affiliation.
The ministerโs remarks come amid a wave of high-profile defections from the PDP. On Tuesday, Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah formally announced his departure from the party, joining the APC alongside all 17 local government chairpersons, commissioners, councillors, and a majority of the PDPโs state executive members.
The following day, Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri also declared his exit from the PDP, though he did not specify his new political affiliation. His move follows similar defections earlier this year by Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno.
Wike suggested that the defections reflect a broader political realignment and should be seen as a validation of his earlier support for Tinubu. โI should be commended for doing a good job for them,โ he said.
The PDP has yet to issue a formal response to Wikeโs comments, but the party continues to grapple with internal divisions and the erosion of its leadership base.
