PDP Will Collapse If I Defect to APC — Wike

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) would collapse if he defects to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), citing his wide political influence across the country.

Wike made the statement during a media interaction amid speculation about his continued membership of the PDP following his close working relationship with President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

The former Rivers State governor said his exit from the PDP would trigger large-scale defections by governors, party leaders, and supporters, leaving the opposition party severely weakened.

“If today I say I am going to APC, that will be the end of the story. You will see governors, party leaders and supporters moving. It will not be something you will debate,” Wike said.

He argued that his political relevance extends beyond Rivers State, adding that his influence cuts across states and party structures nationwide.

Despite his remarks, Wike insisted that he has not defected from the PDP and remains a member of the party, even while serving in an APC-led federal government.

He also dismissed suggestions that recent defections by some of his loyalists, including lawmakers from Rivers State, were directed by him, describing those moves as personal decisions.

Wike criticised the PDP leadership for what he described as poor management of internal crises, accusing party leaders of allowing personal interests to undermine collective unity.

“The problem of the PDP is not external. It is self-inflicted. If the party does not put its house in order, it will continue to lose relevance,” he said.

He warned that the PDP risks losing its position as a viable opposition party ahead of the 2027 general elections if internal divisions and leadership disputes persist.

Wike’s comments come amid a prolonged crisis within the PDP, marked by factional disputes, defections, and disagreements over the party’s direction since the 2023 general elections.

While several PDP leaders have accused Wike of weakening the party through his alliance with the APC-led government, the FCT minister has maintained that his cooperation with the federal government is driven by national interest rather than partisan considerations.