By kawaekwune Jeffrey
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and immediate past governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, has vowed that he would remain in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and fight to the end.
The minister also used the opportunity to debunk rumors making the rounds that he might defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
This declaration comes amid a power struggle within the Rivers State chapter of the PDP. Despite being appointed as a minister by President Bola Tinubu of the APC last year, Wike has consistently made it clear that his commitment to the PDP remains unwavering.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Wednesday, Wike emphasized his loyalty to the PDP even as he faces opposition from Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and other PDP leaders, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
Wike vowed to fight against what he called “injustices within the party and protect the rights of its members.” He clarified that his appointment by Tinubu was not a step towards leaving the PDP but rather a reflection of his belief in Tinubu’s ability to tackle Nigeria’s challenges, which led to his support for Tinubu during the 2023 election.
He explained:” I will not leave the PDP, even when the fight in Rivers State and at the national level intensifies. I will fight to the last. I have no intention of joining the APC. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. The work I am doing here was entrusted to me by the president, and I am focused on fulfilling that responsibility.
“I won’t stand by and watch the party I’ve worked for over the years continue to treat its members unjustly. That will not be accepted.”
Wike’s open declaration is coming a day after the PDP’s Board of Trustees expressed its firm support for Fubara amidst the ongoing conflict between Wike and Fubara.
