The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Wednesday, August 21, vowed to remain in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), dismissing rumours of a potential defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Wike’s stance comes amidst a battle for control of the Rivers state PDP chapter.
The former Rivers State governor was appointed by President Bola Tinubu of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), last year.
Wike said he is dedicated to the PDP, despite facing opposition from State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and other party leaders, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
He disclosed during a live television interview on Wednesday that he would remain in the PDP to fight and correct the injustices within the party and ensure that the rights of members are protected.
Wike said his appointment by President Tinubu is not a precursor to his departure from the PDP, rather, he said it was a testament to his conviction in Tinubu’s ability to address the country’s challenges, which motivated his support for the president’s candidacy in the 2023 election.
He said: “I will not leave PDP even when the fight at home (Rivers state) and at the national gets tougher. I will fight to the last. I am not prepared to join the APC. I have said it and I want to repeat it again. The work I am doing here was handed over to me by the president. And I am focus on achieving the task before me.
“I will not fold my arms and allow the party I have suffered for over the years to continuously do injustice to members. I will not accept that.”
Wike’s reaction comes a day after the PDP Board of Trustees declared support for Fubara, amid the ongoing face-off between Wike and his successor, Fubara.