Wike Dismisses France Arrest Rumours, Justifies Rivers Lawmakers’ Defection to APC
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, has justified the defection of the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly and 15 other lawmakers from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), blaming deep divisions within the PDP.
Speaking to journalists after inspecting road projects in Abuja, Wike said the lawmakers acted within their constitutional rights.
“It’s unfortunate. Everybody has the right to make a choice. The party is fully factionalised, and when a party is factionalised, members are allowed to leave,” he said.
Despite the defections, Wike stressed that he remains a committed member of the PDP.
“I’m still in the PDP. Not everyone has left. We still have about 10 members remaining, and we will continue to work together,” he said, urging the party to “put its house in order” to remain relevant.
On rumours that he had been arrested in France, Wike dismissed them as politically motivated distractions.
“People want to distract you. Last time they said I was sick and flown overseas. This time, they said I was arrested in France. I’m focused on my job,” he said.
Wike added that as long as President Bola Tinubu is satisfied with his performance, critics’ claims will not deter him.
“Critics will always play politics. Just focus and do your work,” he said.
He reiterated his commitment to delivering results across the FCT, especially on infrastructure projects, emphasizing that progress will speak louder than political rumours.
