Nyesom Wike, a former governor of Rivers State and the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has expressed his surprise at being named as a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) national campaign council for the upcoming Bayelsa State governorship election. Wike revealed that he was not consulted or informed about his inclusion in the council, indicating a lack of prior communication from the APC leadership.
The APC recently released a list of campaign council members for the forthcoming Bayelsa governorship election scheduled for November. In an unexpected turn of events, Wike’s name appeared on the list, even though he remains a member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). Curiously, the PDP also listed Wike as a member of its own campaign council.
During an appearance on the Channels TV programme ‘Politics Today’ on Wednesday night, Wike shared his perspective on the situation. He clarified that he had not been consulted by the leaders of the APC regarding his inclusion in the campaign council. Wike’s statement suggested that his allegiance remains with the PDP, and he emphasized that he has not engaged in discussions about defection with the APC’s national chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.
Wike stated, “If I want to go to APC, I will tell my people. But I am still a member of PDP, and I was not consulted before my name was listed in the APC campaign council. You don’t even need to consult me because I am still a member of PDP.”
Despite the unexpected listing, Wike laid out a condition for his continued support of the PDP: an apology from the party. He emphasized that the PDP must take certain steps before he can fully align with their interests.
“I am a very happy man. I have not discussed anything with Ganduje about my coming to APC. But I want to support Asiwaju to finish well,” Wike added.
Wike’s statements reflect his steadfast allegiance to the PDP and his surprise at being listed by the APC without any prior consultation. The situation highlights the complex and dynamic nature of Nigerian politics as parties vie for the support of influential figures like Wike ahead of important elections.
