***Defends Role in Tinubu’s Cabinet, Accuses PDP Leadership of Hypocrisy
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, has fired back at critics within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), declaring that no one in the party has the authority or moral standing to expel him.
Wike, a former governor of Rivers State and a powerful PDP stakeholder, made the bold assertion on Monday during a live media chat in Abuja, amid growing calls for his expulsion over his role in the APC-led federal government.
“I am still a proud member of the PDP. I worked hard for this party. Let anyone who thinks they can sack me come forward. What have they contributed that is more than I have?” Wike challenged.
Defending his political choices, Wike referenced the 2023 general elections where he and the G5 governors openly opposed the PDP’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, citing the principle of equity and the need for power rotation.
“I told you in 2023 I wouldn’t support the PDP candidate. Why? Because it was about justice. You cannot have the presidential candidate and the party chairman from the same zone. We asked for balance. They refused. That’s not equity,” he said.
Wike lashed out at what he described as the hypocrisy and double standards of some PDP leaders, singling out Chief Olabode George, who backed the Labour Party during the polls.
“Olabode George supported the Labour Party, but I supported the APC candidate for fairness. We all agreed the presidency should go South. What offence did I commit?” he asked.
The FCT Minister also dismissed accusations of betrayal for serving in President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet, insisting that he followed due process and consulted widely within the party before accepting the ministerial role.
“I didn’t sneak into government. I wrote to the PDP zonal body, my state governor, and the national secretariat before accepting. Let them deny it if they can,” Wike declared.
He further accused current PDP governors of double-dealing, revealing that many of them had nominated individuals for appointments in the APC-led administration.
“When the federal government asked governors to submit names for board appointments, PDP governors all sent theirs. So why is it wrong for me to serve as Minister?” he queried.
Reaffirming his loyalty to the PDP, Wike emphasized that he remains firmly rooted in the party and will not be intimidated into silence by those he believes are pursuing selfish agendas.
“No one can sack me. I know my worth. I know what I’ve done for this party. I will keep speaking the truth,” he stated.
Wike’s comments have once again stirred debate within the PDP as the party grapples with internal tensions and conflicting loyalties in the build-up to the 2027 elections.
Unapologetic and combative, Wike continues to wield significant influence—both within his party and in the federal government—positioning himself as a central player in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.
