Wike Mocks PDP Defectors: “Those Who Accused Me of Working for APC Are Now Members”

Wike Mocks PDP Defectors: “Those Who Accused Me of Working for APC Are Now Members”

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has taken a swipe at governors and political leaders of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who recently defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), saying their action validates his earlier stance and support for President Bola Tinubu.

Wike made the remark on Wednesday during the flag-off of the construction of the main carriageways on the Outer Southern Expressway in Abuja.

He said those who once accused him of destabilising the PDP and working for the APC should now commend him for paving the way for their eventual defection.

“I have been watching on television and social media, people who said I wanted to destabilise the party, that I was working for the APC. All of them are now in the APC. So, if it’s true, they should commend me for working for where they are heading. I should be praised for doing a good job for them,” Wike said.

In recent days, several PDP governors and top members have defected to the APC. Among them are Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah and Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, who both announced their exit from the opposition party, citing the need to support President Tinubu’s developmental agenda.

Read also: Resident Doctors Demand Reinstatement of Sacked Kogi Colleagues, Warn FG of Looming Health Crisis

Their defection, along with that of 19 Bayelsa lawmakers, has reduced the number of PDP governors from 11 as of October 2024 to just eight as of October 2025.

Wike commended President Tinubu’s “decisive leadership,” saying it has transformed the financial fortunes of states across Nigeria.

“When I was a governor, we used to run around banks looking for money to do projects. Sometimes, the money that came monthly wasn’t enough to pay salaries. But today, by the leadership of somebody who has made it possible for states and the FCT not to run around banks again, things have changed,” he said.

He noted that the Tinubu administration has ensured that every state now has adequate resources to pay workers and execute projects, describing the development as a sign of visionary and purposeful leadership.

“If for that reason so many people are going to support Mr President, I think it’s worthwhile. No governor will leave debts for his successor again. That’s the kind of leadership this country needs — decisive leadership that takes bold decisions,” Wike added.