The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has said that the 16 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) have the right to leave the party.
Wike stated this on Friday while speaking with journalists after inspecting the ongoing construction of an interchange bridge linking Maitama, Gishiri, Jahi, and Gwarimpa in Abuja.
Earlier on Friday, 16 lawmakers, led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, announced their defection from the PDP to the APC during a plenary session. They claimed the PDP was experiencing internal divisions, which they said justified their move to the ruling party. Amaewhule also pledged to work with the President, saying the President “means well for the country.”
Reacting to the development, Wike described the situation as “unfortunate” but acknowledged that the lawmakers acted within their constitutional rights.
According to him, the PDP is currently factionalised, and the Constitution allows elected officials to leave their party under such circumstances.
He added that although 16 out of 27 lawmakers have moved to the APC, about 10 members remain in the PDP, and his team will continue to work with them.
“I’m still in the PDP,” Wike said, urging the party leadership to resolve its internal crisis to avoid further losses. He warned that if the party fails to address its issues, it may continue to weaken.
Wike emphasised that while the defectors are free to make their decisions, those who remain in the PDP will continue to collaborate with him to strengthen the party’s role as an effective opposition.
