Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, says the decision of the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly and 15 other lawmakers to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC) happened because the PDP is deeply divided.
Speaking to journalists after inspecting road projects in Abuja, Wike said he was not informed by the lawmakers before they moved, but insisted they were free to do so.
“It’s unfortunate, but everyone has the right to make their own choice. The party is clearly divided, and when a party is in factions, members are allowed to leave,” he said.
Wike stressed that he has not left the PDP.
“I’m still in the PDP. Only about 16 or 17 members left out of 27. We still have around 10 lawmakers, and we will continue working together,” he said.
He advised PDP leaders to settle internal problems quickly, warning that the division could weaken the party.
“If the party does not organise itself, the party will lose out. Those who left are free to go, but those of us remaining will keep working,” he added.
Wike also dismissed recent rumours that he was arrested in France, calling them politically motivated lies.
“People like spreading distractions. Last time they said I was sick and flown abroad. Now they said I was arrested in France. I’m doing my work,” he said.
Wike added that his priority is meeting the expectations of President Bola Tinubu and delivering on assignments given to him.
“As long as the President is satisfied with my work and I remain focused, people may say whatever they want,” he said.
He noted that continuing to deliver results in the FCT will eventually silence critics.
“They will spread lies, but with time, nobody will take them seriously. Critics will always talk, especially when you are doing well. So, just stay focused,” Wike said.
He has recently increased supervision of ongoing projects across the FCT, especially in road construction and infrastructure development, and says that his goal is to meet government targets in improving the city.
