- Wike’s eventual move to the APC would involve a mass mobilisation of loyalists and supporters
- the source dismissed claims that Wike is directly orchestrating the impeachment moves against Governor Siminalayi Fubara
- He insisted that by the time the move is executed, the PDP would have been significantly weakened
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, may be preparing to formally exit the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Eko Hot Blog reports that although the former Rivers State governor is yet to make an official move, political insiders say his defection is being strategically planned to take place closer to the next election cycle.
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Wike has remained a dominant force in national politics since his appointment as FCT Minister by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2023, following his open support for Tinubu during the presidential election despite his PDP affiliation at the time.
Sources familiar with the development disclosed that the planned defection would be accompanied by a major political realignment, particularly across Rivers State and other parts of the country.
According to a close associate of the minister, Wike’s eventual move to the APC would involve a mass mobilisation of loyalists and supporters.
The source said the timing of the defection is deliberate, noting that Wike intends to delay the move until the political atmosphere intensifies ahead of the 2027 polls. He added that the strategy is designed to maximise political impact and further weaken opposition parties.
The associate further claimed that the ruling APC is actively positioning itself to attract influential political figures nationwide in a bid to consolidate power ahead of 2027, thereby limiting the opposition’s ability to present strong presidential challengers.
According to the source, Wike’s entire political structure is expected to move with him when the defection eventually happens, both within Rivers State and beyond.
He insisted that by the time the move is executed, the PDP would have been significantly weakened.
Speaking on the internal challenges facing the PDP, the source pointed to growing rivalry among leading figures within the party, particularly Governors Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State and Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, both of whom are believed to be eyeing the party’s presidential ticket.
He warned that the competing ambitions could further deepen divisions within the opposition party.
The source also spoke on Wike’s longstanding political relationship with Makinde, alleging that the FCT Minister had previously played a role in facilitating federal intervention funds released to Oyo State following a major fire incident.
On the political crisis in Rivers State, the source dismissed claims that Wike is directly orchestrating the impeachment moves against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu, insisting that the process has gone beyond the minister’s control.
He recalled a reconciliation meeting held in Port Harcourt last year, where efforts were made to resolve the rift between the governor and lawmakers aligned with Wike.
According to him, the breakdown of trust followed Governor Fubara’s alleged failure to honour agreements reached during the meeting, including engaging with the House of Assembly leadership and addressing lawmakers’ welfare concerns.
The source also shed light on the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State last year, claiming that President Tinubu did not personally inform Wike before the decision was taken.
He said the President instead directed the sole administrator to work closely with the FCT Minister.
According to the associate, the sole administrator later addressed outstanding issues with lawmakers, including settling allowances and other entitlements, which he claimed had remained unresolved under the previous arrangement.
Meanwhile, Wike has continued to publicly commend President Tinubu’s leadership and defend the policies of the current administration, further fueling speculation that his full alignment with the APC ahead of 2027 is only a matter of time.
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