The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has reacted to the defection of 17 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly to the All Progressives Congress, saying the development came as a surprise to him.
Wike disclosed that the lawmakers left the Peoples Democratic Party without consulting him.
Speaking on Saturday at the Assembly Quarters, the former Rivers State governor said the decision affected him personally.
He described the defection as painful, particularly in view of the long political relationship he shared with the affected lawmakers.
On December 5, 2025, 17 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, formally defected from the PDP to the APC.
The move immediately changed the political configuration of the state legislature.
The development also worsened the already tense political atmosphere in Rivers State.
The defection occurred shortly after the state emerged from a six-month emergency rule, a period many had hoped would restore stability.
However, the situation took another turn days later when Governor Siminalayi Fubara also defected from the PDP to the APC. His move further escalated the crisis within the party and pointed to a major political realignment in the state.
Addressing the lawmakers, Wike expressed disappointment over the manner in which the defection was carried out, saying he would have preferred to be informed in advance. He said the lack of consultation was troubling.
“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,” Wike said.
The minister also used the opportunity to caution the national leadership of the PDP, blaming internal weaknesses for the loss of lawmakers. He urged party leaders to act swiftly to prevent further defections.
“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,” he stated.
Wike said political opponents were actively targeting members of the PDP, stressing that disunity makes any party vulnerable.
“The enemies are hovering around and when you are not vigilant they take your people, that is why you must be at alert to make sure that enemies don’t take your people,” he added.
Despite the setback, Wike assured lawmakers who remained in the PDP of his continued support, saying they would not be abandoned.
“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,” he said.
