The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has reaffirmed his loyalty to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) despite the recent defection of 16 Rivers State Assembly lawmakers to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Among those who left was Speaker Martins Amaewhule, who said the split was driven by internal divisions within the PDP and expressed a desire to work with President Bola Tinubu, whom he believes has the country’s best interests at heart.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja after inspecting ongoing road projects, Wike acknowledged that the defectors were free to make their own choices, even though they had not consulted him beforehand. He pointed out that not all 27 lawmakers switched parties; roughly ten remain loyal to the PDP. Describing the defections as “unfortunate,” Wike attributed them to the party’s current factionalised state, which is permitted under the party’s constitution.
Wike recalled urging PDP leadership to reunite the party, warning that failure to do so would ultimately damage it. Efforts are now underway to determine how the remaining PDP members in the Rivers State Assembly will cooperate to maintain a strong opposition presence.
The defections represent a significant development in Nigerian politics, highlighting the PDP’s internal divisions and loss of support in some regions, while the APC continues to consolidate its position under President Tinubu. As the political landscape evolves, the PDP will need to reassess its strategy, reunite its ranks, and present a unified front to regain lost ground and remain relevant in the country’s shifting political scene.
Comments are closed for this story.