Wike explains why Rivers Speaker, 16 Assembly members defected to APC

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, says the mass defection of Rivers State Speaker Martins Amaewhule and 15 other lawmakers from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) is the result of growing cracks within the PDP.

He made the remarks while addressing journalists after inspecting the ongoing construction of an interchange bridge connecting Maitama, Gishiri, Jahi, and Gwarimpa in Abuja.

Wike Says Lawmakers Acted Within Their Rights

Responding to questions about the legality of the lawmakers’ defection, Wike explained that although they did not inform him before taking the decision, they operated within their constitutional rights due to the clear division in the PDP.

“It’s unfortunate. I have always said everybody has the right to make a choice. The party is fully factionalised. And the requirement of the Constitution is that when a party is factionalised, members are allowed to leave,” Wike said.

He stressed that the crisis within the party meets the constitutional condition that permits elected members to defect without losing their seats.

‘I Remain in PDP’ — Wike Reaffirms Loyalty

Despite the defections, the minister insisted he remains a member of the PDP.

“I’m still in the PDP. You will see that it’s not everybody that has left. I believe 16 or 17 of them have left out of 27. We still have a good number, about 10, and we will continue to work together,” he stated.

PDP Must Put Its House in Order — Wike Warns

Wike urged the party’s leadership to urgently address internal issues, warning that continued disunity will weaken the PDP’s strength and influence.

“At the end of the day, if you don’t put your house in order, it is the party that is losing. Those who left are free, but those who have remained in the party, we will continue to work together,” he said.