The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has stated that the 16 lawmakers who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) are free to make that choice. He made these comments following the lawmakers’ announcement during a plenary session at the Rivers State House of Assembly.
Wike, addressing journalists after inspecting the construction of an interchange bridge in Abuja, described the defection as “unfortunate” while acknowledging the internal divisions within the PDP that contributed to the lawmakers’ exit.
“Everybody has the right to make a choice. The party is fully factionalized, and when a party is factionalized, members are allowed to leave,” Wike said, noting that despite the defection of 16 lawmakers, there are still around 10 members loyal to the party.
The former Rivers State Governor emphasized his commitment to remaining in the PDP and urged the party to put its house in order to maintain relevance. He expressed disappointment that the party had not taken steps to address its internal issues.
Wike acknowledged that, although some members have left, those who remain will continue to work together to establish a strong opposition.
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