Wike Warns of PDP's Demise if He Joins APC
In a bold statement, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has warned that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) would face imminent collapse if he were to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC). This statement was made during his end-of-year media chat in Port Harcourt, in response to questions about his potential switch to the ruling party.
Wike's warning comes as a recent development, with his supporters in the Rivers State House of Assembly, including Governor Siminalayi Fubara, leaving the PDP for the APC. However, Wike remains steadfast in his commitment to the PDP, asserting that his defection is not on the cards.
"If I were to join the APC today, it would spell the end of the PDP," Wike stated. "You would see a wave of defections from party leaders in other states, following my lead. Imagine the impact if we all said, 'Enough of the PDP; let's move on.'"
Wike further emphasized that the defection of his supporters to the APC does not necessitate his own departure. "It's important to understand that their move does not automatically mean I have to leave. I am still a proud member of the PDP," he clarified.
Addressing the potential takeover of his political structure in Rivers by Fubara, Wike assured his supporters that his influence in the state remains unchallenged. He highlighted the unique nature of party registration in Rivers, stating, 'There's no 001 in the state; you register at the ward level, not at the state level.' This distinction, Wike explained, means that Fubara's defection to the APC does not automatically grant him leadership status in the party within the state.
Furthermore, Wike downplayed the significance of Fubara's move, noting that the governor joined the APC alone, without the support of council chairmen, party leaders, or members of the state assembly. "When a governor defects, it's usually a collective action," Wike pointed out. "In this case, the people have already made their choice to leave the PDP and join the APC, so his defection doesn't guarantee him a second term ticket."
Wike's comments come as a controversial statement, inviting discussion and debate among party members and the public. The question of leadership and the potential consequences of defections remain at the forefront, leaving many to ponder the future of the PDP and the impact of individual decisions on the party's trajectory.
