Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has defended his support for President Bola Tinubu, saying his stance is justified by recent defections of PDP governors and leaders to the APC.
Wike said those who once accused him of working for the All Progressives Congress (APC) have now joined the ruling party themselves.
He made the remarks during the groundbreaking ceremony for the outer southern highway in Abuja on Wednesday.
Wike argued that instead of criticizing him, the governors should praise him for opening the door for them to join the APC.
“I have been watching on television and social media people who said I want to destabilize the party, that I am working for the APC. All of them are now in the APC,” he said.
“If it is true, they should commend me for working for where they are heading”
The statement follows a wave of defections from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Within 48 hours, Peter Mbah, Governor of Enugu State, joined the APC and resigned from the PDP, saying his decision was in Nigeria’s best interest under President Tinubu’s leadership.
Similarly, Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri and 19 members of the State House of Assembly resigned from the PDP on Wednesday.
Diri’s move makes him the fourth PDP governor to defect before the 2027 elections, reducing the party’s governors from 11 in 2024 to just eight.
Wike said the defectors now recognize Tinubu’s decisive leadership, which has stabilized state finances and enabled development.
“Let every state be sincere to their people. I was a governor for eight years, struggling to get money for projects,” Wike explained.
“Today, by the decisive leadership of somebody who made it possible for states and the FCT not to run around banks, things have changed. Now, banks approach states instead.”
He said the president’s leadership ensures that states can now pay salaries, fund projects, and sustain development without accumulating debts.
“So, if many people are supporting Mr. President, I think it is worthwhile. No governor will now leave debts for his successor as before,” he said.
“That is the leadership this country needs; visionary and purposeful leadership, capable of taking bold decisions others avoided.”
