The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared that the recent mass defection of prominent opposition figures to the All Progressives Congress (APC) validates his much-criticized decision to support President Bola Tinubu.
Speaking on Wednesday at the flag-off ceremony for the Outer Southern Expressway construction in Abuja, Wike took a victory lap, pointing to the defection of former PDP colleagues as proof he was on the right side of history.
“I have been watching daily on television and social media. The same people who said I wanted to destabilise the PDP and that I was working for the APC are all now in the APC,” Wike stated. “So, if that’s true, they should commend me for doing a good job in paving the way for them.”
His remarks come amid a significant political realignment that has seen the PDP’s ranks shrink, including the recent defection of Governors Peter Mbah of Enugu and Douye Diri of Bayelsa, along with 19 state assembly members, to the ruling party.
Wike, a former PDP governor who played a pivotal role in the party’s internal crisis, attributed this political shift to what he described as President Tinubu’s “visionary and pragmatic leadership.” He argued that the President’s economic policies have fundamentally improved the financial health of states.
“In the past, governors were running from bank to bank to fund projects and pay salaries. Today, because of the leadership of one man, banks are the ones running to states,” Wike said, crediting Tinubu for creating “the financial space for every state and the FCT to not only meet salary obligations but also execute meaningful projects.”
The Minister also highlighted the collaborative spirit within the FCT, noting that area council chairmen from various political parties are now working together for the capital’s development—a phenomenon he claimed was unprecedented.
Reaffirming his commitment to infrastructural development, Wike cited the ongoing expressway project as evidence of promises being fulfilled. He also revealed plans to partner with former Super Eagles captain Joseph Yobo on youth development initiatives.
Wike made a broader appeal for bipartisan recognition of effective leadership. “It doesn’t matter what party you belong to. When you see leadership that is purposeful and visionary, you must acknowledge it. That’s what the country needs now—decisive, bold leadership that delivers results.”
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