I’ll not leave PDP – Wike Vows

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has pledged his loyalty to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) despite the ongoing internal conflicts within the party.

During a media briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, marking his first year as FCT Minister, Wike addressed rumors about his possible defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC). These speculations arose following his appointment by President Bola Tinubu, despite Wike being a PDP member and former Governor of Rivers State.

The internal strife within the PDP has been exacerbated by a rift between Wike and his successor, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, as they vie for control of the party in Rivers State. When questioned about whether he would consider leaving the PDP if the crisis in Rivers continues, Wike firmly stated, “I don’t run away from a fight.”

He emphasized his stance, saying, “I have told you that I don’t run away from a fight. I will stay there and fight it out. Who am I going to run from? The vampires? Did I not say I won’t support the presidential candidate of PDP? Did I do it secretly?”

The conflict in Rivers State has also led to divisions within the state’s house of assembly. Wike criticized the attempt by a small group of lawmakers to dominate the assembly and pass the state budget, labeling it as “impunity and madness.”

“I have made it very clear that the Rivers house of assembly must function properly. You cannot sit in your house and claim that three people constitute an assembly. You say these people have defected; who has the authority to declare defection?” Wike questioned. He urged patience for the court’s judgment on the matter, rather than acting prematurely.