‘Nobody Can Push Us Out’ – Wike Blasts New APC Defectors in Rivers

‘Nobody Can Push Us Out’ – Wike Blasts New APC Defectors in Rivers
He defends backing Tinubu early in the 2023 election
The minister urges Rivers residents to support Tinubu in 2027

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has criticised the recent influx of politicians from opposition parties into the All Progressives Congress, insisting that none of the new entrants can weaken his political influence in Rivers State.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that Wike spoke on Saturday during a thank you visit to Phalga Local Government Area of Port Harcourt, where he urged residents to continue supporting President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general election.

The former Rivers State governor said his decision to back Tinubu during the 2023 presidential election was deliberate and well calculated, stressing that the benefits of that political alignment were already evident. He maintained that the growing wave of defections into the APC would not affect his standing or relevance in Rivers politics.

Although he did not mention any individual by name, Wike’s remarks came amid the recent defection of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, from the People’s Democratic Party to the APC.

He said, “We are not an ungrateful people; that is why we are here. If you haven’t supported us since 2023, I will not come and tell you to vote for us in 2027.

“Let me tell you something you must know. In Nigeria, we find it difficult to say, “how are these people doing this, so that I can emulate them.

“It doesn’t matter which state you come from. Rivers is the only State where you can see the two major political parties together. And that is why you see all the envy. But don’t worry yourself. That will not stop us from doing what we know best.

“In this country, out of the 36 states and FCT, mention one state that can assemble the leadership of party A, and party B, to bring them together and produce Mr President today.

“I challenge every other state in Nigeria to learn from us. Don’t hate us!

“In 1999, when I was running for the Chairmanship of Obiapkor Local Government. Our matter got to the Court of Appeal. In the judgment of the court, Justice Nsofor of blessed memory, said that “how can a man who did not read Primary 1-5, jump to Primary 6?” He said, “since you came through the window, you must go out through the window.”

“Why am I saying this?

“In 2023, we led the war here. We were the Renewed Hope Agenda people. So from the beginning, we were the people of the Renewed Hope family. And that was why we decided to support Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“Those who were not there then, who went and supported Alhaji Abubakar, I refused to give him, even 10 per cent. They now come in to lead the Renewed Hope Agenda. Is it possible?