The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has firmly stated that he is not afraid to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) if he decides to do so. Wike emphasized that his decision would be based on his own strategic considerations and not out of fear of backlash or any form of criticism from his political opponents. He made this statement in a candid discussion regarding his stance during the 2023 presidential election and the circumstances surrounding his decision not to support the candidacy of former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar.
Wike took the opportunity to elaborate on his dissatisfaction with the leadership of the PDP at the time, pointing out that it was the party's internal issues, particularly the lack of fairness, equity, and effective representation, that led to his withdrawal of support for Atiku. According to Wike, these concerns about the PDP’s ability to address the needs of its members and the broader electorate were central to his decision. His statement sheds light on the ongoing challenges within the PDP, especially in terms of leadership unity, as the party navigates the complex landscape of Nigerian politics.
In a candid expression of his views, Wike declared that his decision not to support Atiku was rooted in the absence of equity and justice in the PDP’s operations, which he considered essential to his political alignment. He further stated that he had no prior conversation with President Bola Tinubu before the 2023 election about joining the APC, contradicting any speculation or rumors to the contrary.
Wike emphasized his transparency and sincerity in politics, stating that he was never one to engage in double-dealing or deceitful political maneuvers. He recalled that he publicly declared his opposition to Atiku’s candidacy, a stance he stood by without any regret. In his words, "I came out in this country, and I said I was not going to support your (Atiku) presidency because you’re not fair; there’s no justice, no equity as far as PDP was concerned."
He continued, expressing his commitment to being upfront and honest about his political positions, stating, "I didn’t hide it, I’m not like them, to come out in the day and say a different thing, I come out in the night I say a different thing. No. Nigerians know me, I’ll say something I’ll do, and I’ll do. What I will not do, I will not do. I came out and I said I was not going to support this, and I have no regrets about it."
Finally, Wike made it clear that there was no need for anyone to think that he was afraid of joining the APC, should he ever choose to do so. He emphasized that he had never expressed any such intention to President Tinubu and that he would not be intimidated by anyone in the PDP, saying, "The President knows. I never spoke with the President any day, and say look, ‘I’ll go to APC”, I never told anybody that, and nobody should think that I’m afraid that if I want to join APC, I cannot join APC.” He concluded by questioning, “Who’s that person that I’ll be afraid of? Who is that person in PDP?”