By John Umeh
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has said the wave of defections by governors and top leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) validates his long-standing support for President Bola Tinubu.
Speaking on Wednesday at the flag-off of the construction of the main carriageways along the Outer Southern Expressway in Abuja, Wike said those who once accused him of undermining the PDP are now openly embracing the APC.
“I have been watching television and social media daily. The same people who said I wanted to destabilise the PDP and was secretly working for the APC are now members of the APC. If that was true, then they should be thanking me for paving the way,” the minister said.
In the last 48 hours, the PDP has lost two key governors. Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah defected to the APC, citing “national interest” under Tinubu’s administration. Hours later, Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri also joined the APC, alongside 19 members of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly. These moves bring the number of PDP governors down to just eight, from 11 a year ago.
Wike stressed that the defections highlight Tinubu’s economic management, which he said has empowered states to pay salaries and embark on major projects without borrowing from banks.
“When I was governor, sometimes we could not pay salaries without running to the banks. Today, by the decisive leadership of Mr President, every state has money, not just for salaries but for projects as well. Banks are now the ones chasing states, not the other way around,” Wike noted.
He added that under Tinubu’s leadership, governors will no longer leave huge debts behind for their successors, describing the trend of defections as “worthwhile” and a show of confidence in the administration.
“What this country needs now is visionary leadership, leadership that makes tough but necessary decisions. That is why you see more and more people supporting Mr President,” Wike said.
