Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has expressed surprise and personal disappointment over the defection of 17 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), stating that the lawmakers did not consult him before the move. Wike made the remarks on Saturday, December 27, 2025, during an event at the Rivers State House of Assembly Quarters in Port Harcourt, where he addressed remaining PDP lawmakers and stakeholders.
Wike described the defection as painful given his long-standing political relationships with the affected members. "Let me thank you Mr Speaker even though it affected me with 17 of you moving out to join APC without consulting me and leaving 10 other members here," he said. He emphasized his commitment to honouring agreements, warning PDP national leadership to maintain internal discipline to prevent further losses. "This is what I have been advising my National Chairman, keep your house in order so that the enemies will not come and take our people. The enemies are hovering around and when you are not vigilant they take your people."
Despite the setback, Wike reaffirmed unwavering support for President Bola Tinubu, stating the group had agreed long ago to back the president. "So for us, long before now we have agreed that we must make sure that we will continue to support Tinubu. That is the position you took and that is the position we are going to still take." He assured remaining PDP lawmakers of protection and reward for loyalty: "Those of you still remaining, whenever you choose, I’m here, but what I will not do is to let you suffer in your life."
The 17 lawmakers, led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, formally defected on December 5, 2025, citing PDP divisions. The move shifted legislative control to the APC in Rivers, a traditional PDP stronghold. It followed the end of a six-month emergency rule in September 2025 and preceded Governor Siminalayi Fubara's defection to APC on December 9, 2025.
Wike's comments reflect ongoing PDP fractures, with his faction aligned to Tinubu despite remaining in PDP. The event at the Assembly Quarters included thanksgiving and gift presentations, underscoring Wike's influence among loyalists.
Political observers note the defections signal realignments ahead of 2027 elections, with Wike positioning as a key Tinubu ally in the South-South.
