Nyesom Wike, the newly appointed FCT minister, recently discussed how his fellow leaders within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) played a role in his selection by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Tinubu.
According to a report from The Cable, Wike, who served two terms as a governor and previously held a ministerial position under the PDP, revealed that his transition to the APC-led federal government was endorsed by his colleagues in the PDP.
Speaking to reporters on August 21st, shortly after assuming office, Wike mentioned that he communicated his new appointment to the PDP’s national chairman and other leaders from the opposition. He stated that he received positive responses to his letters, and he highlighted that PDP leaders, including his successor in Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, were in agreement with his decision to accept the position. Wike urged people to dismiss any negative information they might encounter online.
Wike explained, “I corresponded with the National Party Chairman, the minority leader of the House of Reps and Senate, the zonal chairman of the party, my state chairman, and my governor. All of them responded affirmatively to accept it.”
It’s worth noting that Wike previously led a faction known as the G5 governors within the PDP. This group openly opposed the PDP’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar. Formed after the PDP presidential primaries where Atiku emerged victorious over Wike and others, the G5, headed by Wike, demanded the resignation of the former PDP National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu. They advocated for a southern leader to bring regional balance within the party and did not support Atiku’s campaign.
Additionally, Wike acknowledged collaborating with the APC during the presidential election, which was won by Tinubu in Rivers State. Reports suggest that some PDP members who are opposed to Wike are contemplating his expulsion or suspension from the party. A meeting of these anti-Wike members was held over the weekend in Abuja to determine the appropriate course of action.
Previously, a Federal High Court in Abuja issued an order preventing the PDP from expelling Wike from the party. However, a verdict in May established that the PDP retains the authority to suspend or expel Wike as long as they adhere to the party’s constitution.
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