Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has pledged to lead the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) campaign in Rivers State for the 2027 general elections, reaffirming his steadfast commitment to the party, even as he serves in the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led federal government.
Wike made the announcement during a media parley in Abuja on Monday, addressing critics who have accused him of betraying the PDP by working in the administration of President Bola Tinubu, a member of the rival All Progressives Congress (APC).
“I am still in PDP. I worked hard for the party,” Wike asserted. “I have not seen anybody who has the guts to tell me, ‘Wike, you are not a member of the party.’ Who is that? What is his contribution to the party that is more than me?
“No one will take me from the party. I’m a member. In fact, I’ll lead the PDP campaign in Rivers by 2027.”
The former governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, made his remarks against the backdrop of growing tensions within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), where some members have accused him of betrayal for aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
During the interview, Wike said he draws personal satisfaction from confronting powerful interests, especially in his current capacity as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
He said, “Look at what we are doing differently. People have said that FCT was not working (but) now it is working which means I’m doing things that they (past FCT ministers) refused to do.
“I found out that most of them didn’t have the courage to annoy people, to step on toes but I take joy when I step on the toes of big men; those who say nothing will happen but I say something will happen. It makes me happy.
“All they want me to do is to make decisions against poor people saying nothing will happen to them but I say something will happen. That is why we making results. If you don’t do the right thing, too bad. I don’t care.”
Addressing the political turmoil in Rivers State, Nyesom Wike dismissed claims of a personal rift with Governor Siminalayi Fubara. He also stated that if President Bola Tinubu had sought his opinion, he would not have supported the idea of declaring a state of emergency in the state.
“I don’t have any crisis with Fubara. I am not the president who declared the state of emergency. If Mr. President had called me that time, I wouldn’t have agreed on a state of emergency.”
Watch the full Interview below.
