The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has taken a swipe at state governors and political leaders defecting to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), saying their actions have vindicated his earlier support for President Bola Tinubu.
Wike, who spoke on Wednesday during the flag-off ceremony for the construction of the main carriageways on the Outer Southern Expressway in Abuja, said those who once accused him of sabotaging the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are now joining the very party they accused him of helping.
“I’ve been watching television and social media and I can’t help but laugh,” the former Rivers State governor said. “These are the same people who said I was destabilising the PDP and working for the APC. But look at them today—every one of them has joined the APC. If what they said about me was true, then they should commend me for doing a good job paving the way for them.”
According to Wike, the recent wave of defections only proves that his political choices were justified. He praised President Tinubu’s “decisive leadership,” which, he said, has ensured that every state government now has sufficient funds to meet its obligations and execute meaningful projects.
“Let every state be honest with their people,” he said. “As a governor for eight years, I struggled to raise funds—running from one bank to another just to pay salaries or complete projects. Sometimes, we couldn’t even cover wages. But now, under the leadership of someone with vision, states and the FCT no longer chase banks for loans. In fact, banks are now the ones chasing states, begging for business.”
Wike maintained that Tinubu’s leadership has brought about a financial turnaround that has enabled both the states and the FCT to operate more efficiently. He argued that such fiscal stability ensures that no governor would leave behind crippling debts for his successor.
“If supporting Mr. President means aligning with progress, then it’s a worthwhile decision,” Wike said. “This is what Nigeria needs right now—visionary and purposeful leadership, capable of taking tough decisions that others shied away from”.
Wike’s remarks came shortly after reports that Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah and Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri had both defected from the PDP to the APC. Mbah cited the need for the South-East to strengthen ties with the central government as his reason for the move.
Wike, though still a member of the PDP, openly supported Tinubu during the 2023 presidential election and has declared his intention to do so again in 2027. His stance has sparked calls from within the PDP for his expulsion over alleged anti-party activities—allegations he has repeatedly denied.
