ABUJA — Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed threats of expulsion from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over his acceptance of a ministerial role in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, stating boldly that no one has the guts to sack him from the party.
Speaking during a media chat in Abuja on Monday, Wike said he had duly informed the PDP at all levels before accepting the appointment, and challenged party leaders to deny receiving his letters.
“I never collected a ministerial position without writing to the party. I wrote to the Zonal office, the Governor, and the national body. Let them come out and say they opposed it,” Wike said.
He accused PDP governors of hypocrisy, alleging they also lobbied the APC government for appointments for their allies, saying he had evidence of such nominations.
“How can you criticize me when you yourself wrote names for board appointments under the APC government?” Wike queried. “You go behind to lobby the President and come out during the day to act like saints.”
Wike to Critics: “What Is Your Contribution Compared to Mine?”
Responding to calls for his expulsion from the PDP, Wike dared his critics, insisting he remains a committed member who contributed immensely to the party’s success.
“I am still in PDP. I worked hard for the party. I’ve not seen anybody who will have the guts to tell me I’m not a member. What is their contribution compared to mine?” he asked.
He also described the recent PDP National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting as illegal and a “nullity,” alleging it was not properly convened and thus not binding.
Atiku-Buhari Alliance and PDP’s 2023 Defeat
Wike took aim at Atiku Abubakar, PDP’s 2023 presidential candidate, saying he lost the election due to a misguided alliance with then-President Muhammadu Buhari, and the party’s refusal to honor zoning arrangements.
“They thought with the Buhari alliance, Atiku had the ticket in the bag. But we said no. We demanded equity — one office for the North, another for the South — and they refused,” he said.
He maintained that his decision not to support Atiku was based on principle, not betrayal.
“I Derive Joy in Stepping on Big Toes” — Wike Vows to Enforce Law in FCT
The FCT Minister reiterated his resolve to enforce laws on ground rent and urban regulations, warning that even the elite must comply or face consequences.
“I enjoy stepping on big toes. The elite obey laws abroad but return here and break every rule. That era is over — something will happen if you flout the law,” he warned.
Wike’s media chat signals a continued defiance of internal party pressure and a bold defense of his political choices, as he remains at the center of Nigeria’s evolving power dynamics ahead of the 2027 elections.
Comments