The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has affirmed that the 16 defected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly are free to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He added that his faction remains committed to working with the remaining lawmakers still loyal to the party.
Wike made the remarks on Friday while addressing journalists after inspecting the ongoing construction of an interchange bridge linking Maitama, Gishiri, Jahi, and Gwarimpa in Abuja.
Earlier that day, during a plenary session, 16 Rivers State lawmakers, including Speaker Martins Amaewhule, announced their defection from the PDP to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Citing internal divisions within the PDP as the motivation for their defection, Amaewhule noted his intent to “join hands with Mr. President,” praising the President’s commitment to the country.
Reacting to the development, Wike described the defections as “unfortunate” but attributed them largely to the party’s internal crisis.
> “It’s unfortunate. I have always said that everybody has the right to make a choice. The party is fully factionalised. According to the Constitution, when a party is factionalised, members are allowed to leave,” Wike stated.
He emphasized that not all legislators have left the PDP, noting that while 16 or 17 out of 27 have defected, about 10 lawmakers remain committed to the party. Wike vowed to continue collaborating with those members.
The former Rivers State Governor reiterated his commitment to the PDP and called on the party to address its internal challenges.
I’m still in the PDP. For those who remain, we will continue to work together. I have urged the party to put its house in order because if it doesn’t, the party will suffer. We still call on the party to unite so the remaining members can be a relevant opposition,” Wike said.
He concluded by stating that those who have left are free to do so, but his focus will remain on working with loyalists to strengthen the party.
