The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has firmly stated that he will remain in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) while continuing to work for President Bola Tinubu's administration.
In a recent interview with BBC Pidgin published on Saturday, Wike dismissed suggestions that he should leave the opposition party despite serving in the cabinet of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) government.
"I can't do that, I'm not afraid – how will I build a house and you now ask me to vacate the play. It's you that will leave the house not me that built it. You want to spoil a house that I built, I won't allow you. I won't leave, I will remain there," Wike declared.
The former Rivers State Governor also addressed threats from South-East PDP leaders, dismissing them as empty. He specifically mentioned former governors Achike Udenwa of Imo State and Sam Egwu of Ebonyi State, questioning their political relevance.
"The one that pains me is the threats from them. Let me ask you, who is there? Achike Udenwa who is a former governor of Imo and has no single National Assembly member, he didn't give his party three percent of votes, yet is threatening," Wike stated.
He added: "Sam Egwu, former Ebonyi State governor has no National Assembly member and did not produce a governor, yet is threatening – he is empty – which threat is he issuing?"
On the subject of the 2027 presidential election, Wike categorically ruled out contesting against President Tinubu, saying: "I will not contest again, I should contest against somebody I'm working with? Who would win it if not him (Tinubu)?"
Wike's comments come amid ongoing tensions within the PDP, particularly regarding zoning arrangements for future elections. "I have told them that if they zone, when we get to the bridge, we will cross it but they are fraudulent and I have told them that it will kill them," he remarked.
The FCT Minister's stance highlights the complex political dynamics in Nigeria, where cross-party appointments and alliances have become increasingly common, blurring traditional party lines and loyalties.
