Politics

Wike: Critics now joining APC I backed

The Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, has fired back at those who once condemned his support for President Bola Tinubu, saying many of them have now defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), the very party they accused him of aiding.

Wike, a prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), made these remarks on Wednesday at the official flag-off of roadworks along Abuja’s Outer Southern Expressway.

He said the recent defections of top PDP leaders to the APC prove that he was politically foresighted and unfairly vilified.

“The same people who attacked me for supporting Tinubu are now wearing APC caps. They owe me thanks, not criticism,” the former Rivers State governor said.

Wike has long been accused by PDP loyalists of undermining the party, especially during the 2023 general elections when he openly backed Tinubu, despite not formally resigning from the opposition party.

Rivers State, under his leadership at the time, delivered votes in favour of the APC presidential candidate.

According to the minister, many of those who criticised him for his stance are now silently following his path.

“They called me names, said I was betraying PDP. Today, they’ve all decamped. So who was really working against the party?” he said.

Wike’s remarks come amid a growing exodus from the PDP, with four sitting governors having left the party within the last half-year.

Most recently, Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah announced his defection to the APC, joined by his entire cabinet, all 17 local council chairpersons, and a large majority of the party structure in the state.

Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri followed suit the next day, confirming his departure from the PDP but stopping short of naming his new political home.

Others who have exited the PDP include Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta and Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom.

Wike believes these moves validate his earlier decisions.

“If I was working for the APC, and they’re all now in APC, then I simply led the way.

”They should commend me for helping them realise where they truly belong,” he added.

The wave of defections marked a significant blow to the PDP, already reeling from its 2023 electoral loss and leadership wrangling.

The APC, meanwhile, appears to be consolidating its influence by absorbing high-profile defectors ahead of the 2027 general elections.

With key opposition figures either switching allegiance or remaining silent, analysts say the ruling party now faced little resistance on the national political stage.

Wike, who continues to serve as minister in an APC-led government without formally dumping the PDP, has not clarified whether he will officially join the ruling party. However, his latest remarks leave little doubt about where his loyalties now lie.

 

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