The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has dismissed growing speculation that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, may be preparing to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), insisting that the former Rivers State governor remains a loyal member of the opposition party.
The party’s reaction followed recent remarks by APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, who publicly praised Wike’s performance as FCT Minister, fueling fresh discussions about his political future.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Jungudo Haruna Mohammed, the PDP described Wike as one of its most valuable political assets and cautioned the APC against interpreting the commendation as evidence of an imminent defection.
According to the party, Wike’s role in President Bola Tinubu’s administration should not be viewed as a pathway to permanent membership of the ruling party.
“As Professor Yilwatda himself suggested, Barrister Wike’s engagement with the APC-led administration is best viewed as a political loan arrangement. We wish to state unequivocally that such an arrangement contains no provision whatsoever for a permanent transfer,” the statement said.
The PDP stressed that Wike’s service in the Federal Government has neither altered his political identity nor weakened his allegiance to the party.
“His service in the current APC-led administration should not be misconstrued as a change of political allegiance. It does not alter his political identity, nor does it diminish his longstanding loyalty, commitment and immense contributions to the Peoples Democratic Party,” the statement added.
The opposition party further argued that the recognition being accorded to Wike by political opponents is a reflection of his performance in office, particularly in the areas of infrastructure development, urban renewal and governance reforms within the Federal Capital Territory.
According to the PDP, Wike’s leadership has transformed key aspects of the nation’s capital and earned him widespread commendation across political, ethnic and religious divides.
“There is no doubt that, through his visionary leadership, commitment to public service and execution of numerous landmark projects, Barrister Wike has transformed critical aspects of the nation’s capital, earning commendation from citizens across political, ethnic and religious divides,” the statement noted.
The party maintained that Yilwatda’s praise was not only an endorsement of Wike’s achievements but also a recognition of the quality of leadership available within the PDP.
“The commendation by the APC National Chairman is yet another public recognition of the quality, competence and leadership capacity that the PDP continues to offer Nigeria,” it stated.
The PDP further claimed that it remains home to numerous experienced leaders and technocrats capable of delivering effective governance if given the opportunity.
“We are proud to state that the PDP is also replete with numerous capable leaders and technocrats who, if given similar opportunities, would surpass the performance of many current APC office holders,” the party said.
The statement concluded with a renewed appeal to Nigerians ahead of the 2027 general elections, urging voters to return the PDP to power across all levels of government.
According to the party, the qualities demonstrated by Wike in the FCT reflect the broader leadership capacity within the PDP and reinforce its claim that it remains well-positioned to provide effective governance if entrusted with power once again.
Comments