Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has strongly denied reports suggesting that his ongoing difficulty in reclaiming control of the Rivers chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from State Governor Siminalayi Fubara might lead him to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Wike asserted that despite the strategies employed by Fubara and other PDP leaders, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, he remains steadfast in his commitment to the PDP and is prepared to confront and rectify the perceived injustices within the party.
Wike emphasized that his recent appointment by President Bola Tinubu does not serve as a pretext for leaving the PDP. He highlighted that his support for Tinubu’s candidacy in the 2023 presidential election was based on a belief in Tinubu’s ability to tackle national challenges, not as a means to switch political allegiances.
In a statement made during a press conference in Abuja, Wike declared his intention to remain with the PDP despite the increasing difficulties both locally in Rivers State and nationally. He affirmed, “I will not leave the PDP even if the situation becomes more challenging. I am committed to fighting for the party and will not join the APC. My focus is on the responsibilities given to me by the president, and I am determined to fulfill them.”
Wike’s firm stance comes just a day after the PDP Board of Trustees expressed support for Governor Fubara, exacerbating the ongoing conflict between Wike and his successor. Despite the pressure and internal strife, Wike remains resolute in his fight against what he perceives as ongoing injustices within the party.
