The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, says the 16 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress are free to make their choice.
Wike stated this on Friday while speaking with journalists after inspecting an ongoing interchange bridge project linking Maitama, Gishiri, Jahi, and Gwarimpa in Abuja.
Press Online reports that Speaker Martins Amaewhule and 15 other lawmakers announced their defection during Friday’s plenary, citing divisions within the PDP. Amaewhule declared his support for the President, saying he would “join hands with Mr President” because he “means well for the country.”
Reacting, Wike described the mass defection as “unfortunate” but acknowledged that the PDP’s internal crisis created room for such moves.
“The party is fully factionalised, and the Constitution allows people to leave when a party is divided,” he said. “About 16 or 17 have left out of 27 members. We still have around 10, and we will continue to work together. They never informed me, but they have the right.”
Wike, a former Rivers State governor, reaffirmed his loyalty to the PDP and urged the party’s leadership to resolve its internal issues.
“I’m still in the PDP. Those who have remained, we will work together. I have told the party to put its house in order because failure to do so will only weaken it. The remaining members must be supported to remain a viable opposition.”
He added that while the defectors are free to move, the PDP must focus on strengthening those who have chosen to stay.
