The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has broken his silence on the wave of defections by governors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking on Wednesday during the flag-off of the main carriageways of the Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX) from Ring Road 1 to Ring Road 2 along Wassa Road, Abuja, Wike said those who once attacked him for working with President Bola Tinubu are now joining the APC in large numbers.
“I have been watching on television and social media, those who accused me of destabilising the PDP and working for APC, all of them are now in APC. If it is true I worked for APC, then they should commend me, not condemn me. It means I did a good job for them,” he quipped.
His comments came just a day after Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, dumped the PDP for the ruling party. Also, another PDP Governor, Duoye Diri of Bayelsa State, recently decamped to the APC on Wednesday, further deepening the cracks within the opposition party.
The former Rivers State governor, who reaffirmed his loyalty to President Tinubu, said the president’s policies, especially the removal of fuel subsidy, had improved the financial strength of states and the FCT.
“I was a governor for eight years, and I know what it meant to run around banks to borrow money for projects and even to pay salaries. But today, by the decisive leadership of Mr President, banks are now the ones running after states. Salaries are being paid, projects are being executed, and no governor is talking about leaving huge debts for successors. That is visionary leadership,” Wike said.
He praised the visible transformation currently taking place across the FCT, saying the achievements were the result of President Tinubu’s clear direction and leadership style. “Whatever we are saying today in FCT is as a result of that leadership. Once you set the standard, everyone you appoint must follow suit,” he added.
Wike also addressed the long-standing issue of Apo market traders, assuring them that the planned relocation was still in progress.
He revealed that the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) had completed cost evaluations for the infrastructure needed at the new site.
On the ongoing OSEX project, the minister noted that it would significantly ease traffic congestion into the city centre. “Before the Apo–Wassa road was done, it took hours to enter the city. It was horrible. But gradually, we are delivering happiness to the people of the FCT,” he said.
However, it could be recalled that Wike had faced backlash from PDP members over his open support for President Tinubu.
