The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has fired back at those calling for his expulsion from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), declaring that no one has the courage or legitimacy to push him out of a party he has loyally served for years.
Wike, who spoke on Monday during a media parley in Abuja, dismissed criticisms over his political allegiance and reaffirmed his commitment to the PDP despite working with the current All Progressives Congress (APC)-led federal government.
“I am still in the PDP. I worked hard for the party,” Wike said defiantly. “I have not seen anybody who will have 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?”
The former Rivers State governor’s comments come amid increasing tensions within the PDP, especially regarding his relationship with President Bola Tinubu and his prominent role in the APC-led administration.
Wike also used the occasion to clarify that his support for President Tinubu during the 2023 elections was not anti-party behaviour. According to him, his decision was rooted in principles of equity, justice, and fairness, especially after the PDP failed to honour the agreement for a Southern presidential candidate.
“In 2023, did I not tell you that I wouldn’t support their presidential candidate? I said, based on equity, justice, and fairness, the presidency should go to the South because you can’t have that and the national chairman at the same time,” he said.
“You therefore take one and give us one. Believing that Atiku would win, they said to hell with it, and I said I was not going to support.”
Wike pointed out that despite not supporting Atiku Abubakar, he remained in the PDP and delivered electoral victory for the party in Rivers State.
“So why didn’t I leave the party and join the APC? Of all of us then and the PDP governors today, who produced National Assembly 100 percent? Who produced a governor? Ask them in their various states how many senators they have,” he queried.
He further stated, “Bode George supported the Labour Party, and I said I wouldn’t support Obi. I’m a politician, and I said even if you support this man (Obi), he can’t win the election, so let’s forget about sentiment. So, George and everybody agreed to support a Southern candidate, we all agreed.”
“So what offence did I commit by supporting Tinubu under the APC? If I was playing anti-party, the PDP wouldn’t have won the governorship, NASS seats and Rivers was the only state that gave the PDP that kind of victory.”
On issues related to governance and law enforcement in the FCT, Wike said he is undeterred by elite resistance, especially regarding compliance with payment of ground rent and observance of city laws. He said some privileged individuals believe they are above the law, but his administration would not tolerate such impunity.
According to him, “Some of them, when they go to other countries, they obey their laws, but they come back here and refuse to obey simple laws. That era is gone. Something will happen.”
Wike added that he enjoys stepping on the toes of those who think they are untouchable. “I derive joy from stepping on the toes of big people who think they are above the law,” he said.
The FCT Minister stressed that his administration is determined to bring sanity to the territory and ensure that the rule of law applies to all, irrespective of class or connection.
- Arise News Presenter Killed in Abuja Robbery - October 1, 2025
- ASUU Gives FG 14-Day Ultimatum to Meet Demands - September 30, 2025
- Graduates Must Submit Projects to National Database Before NYSC – FG - September 30, 2025