Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has publicly ridiculed supporters of Governor Siminalayi Fubara who have defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Peoples Party (APP) in anticipation of the upcoming local government elections on October 5.
Following a recent congress that solidified Wike’s influence within the PDP in Rivers State, Fubara reportedly directed his loyalists to contest the forthcoming elections under the APP banner.
At a reception hosted by the Ijaw Peoples Assembly in Port Harcourt, Wike expressed disbelief at the defections from his party.
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He declared, “It’s surprising to see PDP members contemplating joining APP. This isn’t about money; it’s about capacity. You can have all the resources in the world, but without the capability, you won’t succeed.”
Wike continued, emphasizing his past victories against opponents: “We have defeated them multiple times, and if the opportunity arises again, we will do so once more. We have not even begun to engage in politics yet. When the time comes, we will show them how it’s done. They should keep their party ready; we are prepared to teach them what real politics is.”
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Addressing claims that the Ijaw people were in conflict with him, Wike dismissed such notions, attributing the unrest to a small number of ungrateful individuals within the community.
He asserted, “I am too significant to be diminished by a few people. Anyone who fails to recognize my stature is simply misguided. Together, my opponents cannot withstand me.”
Boma Iyaye, the Director of Finance and Administration at the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), also spoke at the event, apologizing on behalf of the Ijaw community and urging Wike to overlook the negative behavior of certain individuals.
He encouraged Wike to maintain his relationship with the Ijaw people.
The reception was attended by notable figures, including the Minister of State for Petroleum, Heineken Lokpobiri, Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, and former governors from the G5, including Samuel Ortom of Benue, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu, and Okezie Ikpeazu, among others.
