The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has said that the wave of defections by key figures and governors of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has vindicated his decision to support President Bola Tinubu.
Speaking on Wednesday during the flag-off of the construction of the main carriageways on the Outer Southern Expressway in Abuja, Wike said that many of those who once accused him of working against the PDP and aligning with the APC are now themselves members of the ruling party.
According to him, rather than criticising his past actions, the defecting governors should commend him for “doing a good job” in paving the way for their eventual move to the APC.
“I’ve been watching television and social media and seeing the same people who once accused me of destabilising the PDP and working for the APC. Today, they are all in the APC. If what they said about me was true, then they should be thanking me for helping them get where they are now. I deserve commendation, not condemnation,” Wike said.
In the last 48 hours, the PDP has suffered major setbacks following the defection of two governors. The Governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah, announced his resignation from the PDP and his decision to join the APC, saying it was in the interest of national progress under President Tinubu’s leadership. Similarly, Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, along with 19 members of the State House of Assembly, also defected to the APC on Wednesday. This development reduced the number of PDP governors from 11 in October 2024 to just eight as of today.
Wike praised President Tinubu’s “decisive leadership,” which, according to him, has provided every state with the financial stability to pay salaries and execute meaningful projects without resorting to borrowing.
“Let every state be honest with their people. I was a governor for eight years, often struggling to raise funds for projects and salaries. Back then, we had to run to banks every month to stay afloat. But today, under the leadership of someone decisive and visionary, states and the FCT no longer run after banks — instead, banks now pursue states for partnerships. Every state now has money, not just to pay salaries but also to carry out development projects. It was never like this before,” he said.
Wike further stated that the current leadership style under President Tinubu ensures fiscal discipline, noting that states will no longer leave heavy debt burdens for their successors as was common in the past.
“So, if supporting Mr President means aligning with progress and accountability, I believe it’s a worthwhile decision. Today, no governor can complain about debts or lack of funds. This is the kind of visionary and purposeful leadership Nigeria needs — one that makes bold decisions others were too afraid to take,” he added.
