Wike Blasts Rivers Lawmakers’ Defection To APC As ‘Unfortunate’ But Says They Can Leave

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has stated that the 17 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are free to leave the party.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

On Friday, 16 lawmakers, including the Speaker, officially left the PDP to join the All Progressives Congress (APC). Citing internal divisions within the PDP as the reason for his defection, Speaker Ikuinyi Amaewhule announced his decision to align with the APC, pledging to “join hands with Mr. President,” whom he described as having the nation’s best interests at heart.

Speaking to journalists during an inspection of an ongoing interchange bridge project linking Maitama, Gishiri, Jahi, and Gwarimpa in Abuja, Wike described the defections as “unfortunate” but emphasized that party members have the constitutional right to leave when internal divisions arise.

He said:

“It’s unfortunate, but I have always maintained that everyone has the right to make their choice. The party is currently factionalized, and under the Constitution, members are allowed to leave in such circumstances. Not everyone has departed; about 16 or 17 of the 27 lawmakers have left. We still have around 10 loyal members, and we will continue to work closely with them.”

The former Rivers State Governor reaffirmed his commitment to the PDP and called on the party to resolve its internal issues.

“I remain in the PDP. Those who have stayed, we will continue to work together. I have always urged the party to put its house in order because, ultimately, it’s the party that will bear the consequences if it fails. The remaining members must unite to serve as a strong opposition. For those who chose to leave, they are free, but our focus remains on supporting and strengthening those who remain.”