FCT Minister Nyesom Wike reacts to Rivers PDP defections, pledges to support remaining lawmakers loyal to the party

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has acknowledged the defection of 16 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress while reaffirming support for lawmakers who remain loyal to the PDP.

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Wike spoke on Friday after inspecting the ongoing construction of an interchange bridge connecting Maitama, Gishiri, Jahi, and Gwarimpa in Abuja.

He described the defection, which included the Speaker of the House, Martins Amaewhule, as “unfortunate” but emphasised the right of lawmakers to make personal political decisions.

“Everybody has the right to make a choice. The party is fully factionalised. When a party is factionalised, members are allowed to leave,” Wike said, noting that 10 of the 27 lawmakers remained with the PDP.

Amaewhule and other defectors cited divisions within the PDP as their reason for joining the APC, expressing confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership.

Wike, a former Rivers State Governor, stressed that he remains committed to the PDP and urged the party to “put its house in order” to ensure the remaining members can operate effectively as a relevant opposition.

“The remaining members will continue to work together. Those who have left are free. But those who remain in the party, we will continue to work together,” he added.

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Political analysts view the defection as part of a growing trend of internal crises in opposition parties, highlighting the challenges faced by the PDP in retaining cohesion in key states.