Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has mocked some state governors who previously criticised his political moves but have now defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) — the same party he was once accused of secretly working for while still a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Speaking on Wednesday at the flag-off ceremony of the Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX) project in Abuja, Wike said the recent wave of defections vindicated his political choices, insisting that his actions were driven by conviction and performance, not blind party loyalty.
“When I took certain political decisions, some people went about condemning me, calling me names and accusing me of working for the APC.
Today, the same people are moving to the APC one after another. So, who is wiser now?” he asked.
‘They Should Commend Me, Not Condemn Me’
The former Rivers State governor, who served from 2015 to 2023 under the PDP, became a controversial figure within the opposition party after clashing with its 2023 presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.
His later appointment by President Bola Tinubu as FCT Minister fuelled speculations of defection to the ruling APC — a claim he has consistently denied.
Wike said the unfolding developments across the political landscape have now justified his earlier decisions.
“If they said I worked for the APC, then they should commend me, not condemn me. At least, I did a good job.
And now, those who said they would rather die than join APC are rushing there. I wish them well,” he remarked.
Commends Tinubu’s Leadership Reforms
Wike also used the occasion to praise President Tinubu for what he described as bold and pragmatic policy choices, especially the removal of fuel subsidy and fiscal reforms that have increased revenue allocations to states.
He said the reforms have changed the financial dynamics between state governments and financial institutions.
“Today, governors are not running to banks; the banks are the ones running after them.
This is what happens when you have a visionary leader who understands governance,” Wike said.
Focus on Infrastructure, Not Politics
Reaffirming his commitment to infrastructure renewal in the FCT, the minister said major projects such as the OSEX expansion were designed to ease traffic congestion and open up new economic corridors in Abuja.
“We are not talking politics here; we are talking about governance and service delivery.
I am serving the people of Abuja, and that is my priority,” he added.
Shifting Loyalties in PDP
Wike’s comments come amid a string of defections from the PDP to the APC, including those of Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State and Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State, as well as several lawmakers.
The development, analysts say, lends credence to Wike’s claim of realignments and shifting loyalties within the opposition.
