The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has declared that the 16 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are at liberty to exit the party, insisting that his political camp will continue working with lawmakers who remain loyal to the PDP.
Wike made the remarks on Friday while briefing journalists after inspecting the ongoing construction of the Maitama–Gishiri–Jahi–Gwarimpa interchange bridge project in Abuja.
Earlier 16 lawmakers—led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule—announced their defection from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC) during a plenary session of the Rivers Assembly.
Amaewhule cited internal divisions within the PDP as the motivation for their move, adding that he had now aligned with the APC to “join hands with Mr President,” whom he said “means well for the country.”
Wike, however, maintained that he remains a committed member of the PDP. He called on the party to address its internal issues, even as he noted that those choosing to defect have the freedom to do so.
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