The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has said the recent wave of defections from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) has vindicated his earlier support for President Bola Tinubu.
Speaking at the flag-off of the main carriageways on the Outer Southern Expressway in Abuja on Wednesday, October 15, Wike said those who once accused him of betraying the PDP were now joining the ruling party.
“I have been watching on daily television and social media, people who said I want to destabilise the party, I am working for the APC. All of them are now in the APC.
“So, which means if it is true, they should commend me for working for where they are heading. So, I should be commended for doing a good job for them,” he said.
His comments followed the recent defections of Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, and Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, who both joined the APC within two days.
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Diri’s exit, along with 19 Bayelsa lawmakers, further reduced the PDP’s control to eight states nationwide.
Wike attributed the rising number of defections to what he described as President Tinubu’s “decisive and visionary leadership,” which, according to him, has strengthened the country’s economy and improved fiscal conditions across states.
He said the days of governors struggling to pay salaries or depending on bank loans for projects were over.
“Somebody has made that possible; every state now has money. Not only to pay salaries, not only to carry out government activities, but also to embark on projects. It was not like that before,” he said.
Wike described the governors’ decisions to support Tinubu as “worthwhile,” saying Nigeria now needs leaders who can take bold and purposeful decisions for the country’s progress.