Governors Who Once Mocked Me Now Members Of APC – Wike

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has taken a swipe at some state governors who previously criticised his political moves, saying they have now joined the All Progressives Congress (APC), the same party he was accused of secretly working for while serving as a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Speaking in Abuja on Wednesday during the flag-off ceremony for the construction of the Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX), Wike said the recent wave of defections vindicated his earlier stance that politics should be driven by performance and conviction, not blind loyalty.

The minister said: “When I took certain political decisions, some people went about condemning me, calling me names and accusing me of working for the APC. Today, the same people are moving to the APC one after another. So, who is wiser now?”

Wike, who governed Rivers State between 2015 and 2023 under the PDP, became a polarising figure within the opposition party after falling out with its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, in the build-up to the 2023 general election.

His subsequent appointment as FCT Minister in President Bola Tinubu’s administration sparked allegations that he had defected to the ruling APC, a claim he has repeatedly denied.

However, the minister said the unfolding events in Nigeria’s political landscape had justified his earlier decisions and proved that his political strategy was guided by foresight rather than betrayal.

“If they said I worked for APC, then they should commend me, not condemn me. At least, I did a good job. And now, those who said they would rather die than join APC are rushing there. I wish them well,” he remarked.

Wike also used the occasion to commend President Tinubu for what he described as “bold and pragmatic leadership decisions” since assuming office, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy and the fiscal reforms that have boosted revenue allocation to states.

According to him, the reforms have made state governments more financially independent, as banks now compete to offer them facilities instead of the other way round.

“Today, governors are not running to banks; the banks are the ones running after them. This is what happens when you have a visionary leader who understands governance,” he said.

The minister further reiterated his commitment to infrastructural renewal in the Federal Capital Territory, noting that several major road projects, including the OSEX, are designed to ease traffic congestion and open up new economic corridors.

He said his focus remains on delivering projects that will impact residents, regardless of political affiliations.

“We are not talking politics here; we are talking about governance and service delivery. I am serving the people of Abuja, and that is my priority,” he added.

Several PDP governors and top members, including Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State and some lawmakers, have reportedly joined the ruling APC in recent weeks, lending credence to Wike’s claim of shifting loyalties within the opposition.