The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Wednesday attributed the defections of opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leaders and governors to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to the leadership capacity of President Bola Tinubu.
Speaking at the commissioning of the main carriageway construction on the Outer Southern Expressway in Abuja, Wike noted that those who had previously criticized the president are now joining the ruling party. He stressed that Tinubu’s leadership demonstrates the ability to deliver the dividends of democracy.
“I have been watching on daily television and social media, people who said I want to destabilise the party, I am working for the APC. All of them are now in the APC. So, which means if it is true, they should commend me for working for where they are heading. So, I should be commended for doing a good job for them,” Wike said.
The minister cited recent high-profile defections, including Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah and Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, along with 19 members of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly. With these moves, the number of PDP governors has declined from 11 in October 2024 to eight as of today, marking a notable shift ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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Wike emphasised that Tinubu’s “decisive leadership” has provided states with sufficient resources to pay salaries and implement development projects, eliminating the need for governors to scramble for funds.
“Let every state be sincere to their people, and to Nigerians. I was a governor for eight years. I was a governor running around banks to look for money to do projects… Today, by the leadership of somebody, by the decisive leadership of somebody who has made it possible for all the states, and the Federal Capital Territory, not to be running around banks again. Rather, banks are now looking for states to say ‘look, don’t throw us away, we are here.’ Somebody has made that possible; every state now has money, not only to pay salaries, not only to carry out government activities, but also to embark on projects. It was not like that before,” he said.
The FCT minister also described supporting the Tinubu administration as “worthwhile”, noting that governors under his leadership will no longer leave debts for their successors.
“So, if, for that reason, so many people are going to support Mr President, I think it is worthwhile. Now, no governor will talk about leaving debts for his successor, unlike what used to happen before. That is the leadership of somebody. And that’s what this country needs for now. Visionary leadership, purposeful leadership, that will be able to make decisions. Decisions that people were running away from taking when they had the opportunity,” Wike said.
Speaking at the same event, FCT Minister of State Dr. Mariya Mahmoud hailed the road project as a strategic move to ease traffic flow, boost economic activity, and enhance mobility across the Federal Capital Territory. She also commended Wike for his “unwavering energy, foresight, and passion” in driving infrastructure development.
“Under your watch, the FCT has truly become a construction powerhouse and a beacon of national renewal,” Mahmoud said, adding that Tinubu’s leadership consistently demonstrates that progress is built not only in policy but in the visible transformation of lives and communities.
