The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, asserted on Tuesday that he stands by his decision to work against the presidential aspirations of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2023.
Wike stated that he opposed the PDP due to the party's abandonment of principles of fairness, equity, and justice. Although he supported the PDP at the state level, he did not extend his backing to the party for the presidential election.
During an appearance on Channels TV’s Politics Today, Wike also clarified that the deposed chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, Tony Okocha, was not aligned with him.
He emphasized, "Tony Okocha, not my ally. They opposed me during the gubernatorial election. Just because he's my friend does not imply that I brought him to the APC."
Regarding the presidential election, Wike affirmed, "I stated my intent to advocate for equity, fairness, and justice, and for other elections, I supported my party. This strategy led to our victories in the gubernatorial and National Assembly elections. I stand by my decision to work against the PDP in the presidential election because I oppose injustice and the exclusion of others. I have no apologies to offer for this stance."
Wike refuted allegations of involvement in anti-party activities related to his lack of support for Atiku Abubakar, the former PDP presidential candidate.
In the lead-up to the 2023 general elections, Wike, then governor of Rivers State, aligned with four other dissatisfied PDP governors, namely Samuel Ortom (Benue), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), in opposition to Atiku’s presidential aspirations.
These five governors consistently insisted that Senator Iyorchia Ayu step down as PDP national chairman as a prerequisite for their endorsement of the party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.
Atiku lost the presidential election to the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, who now serves as the minister under his administration.
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