Wike says PDP defections to APC vindicate his support for Tinubu

By Kunle Sanni –

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, says the recent wave of defections by governors and top leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has vindicated his earlier decision to back President Bola Tinubu.

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

The former Rivers State governor said those who previously accused him of working against the PDP and aiding the APC were now defecting to the ruling party, describing the development as proof that his position was justified.

“I have been watching television and social media — people who once said I was trying to destabilise the PDP or that I was working for the APC. All of them are now in the APC,” Wike said. “If that’s the case, they should commend me for doing a good job in paving the way for them.”

In recent days, several PDP governors have defected to the APC. Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah announced his resignation from the PDP earlier this week, citing national interest and alignment with President Tinubu’s development vision. On Wednesday, Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri also joined the APC, alongside 19 members of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly.

Wike said the defections reflected growing confidence in President Tinubu’s “decisive leadership,” which, according to him, has enabled states to meet their financial obligations and embark on major projects.

He recalled his experience as a governor, saying: “I remember running to banks to borrow money just to pay salaries and do projects. Today, under President Tinubu’s leadership, every state and the FCT have enough resources. Banks are now chasing states, not the other way around.”

The minister praised the President’s economic policies for improving state finances and ending the cycle of debt accumulation. “If governors are now supporting Mr President because of his visionary and purposeful leadership, it is worthwhile,” he stated. “This is the kind of leadership Nigeria needs — one that takes decisive actions others once avoided.”