Wike Says Defection of Rivers Lawmakers to APC Personally Affected Him

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Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has admitted that the defection of 17 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) had a personal impact on him.

It will be recalled that on December 5, 2025, 17 lawmakers of the Rivers Assembly, including the Speaker, Martins Amaewhule, formally announced their defection to the APC. The development further escalated political tensions in the state, which had only recently exited a six-month state of emergency.

Following the lawmakers’ move, Governor Siminalayi Fubara also defected from the PDP to the APC, deepening the political rift between him and Wike.

Addressing lawmakers at the Assembly Quarters on Saturday, Wike expressed disappointment that the defecting legislators made the decision without consulting him.

“I want to thank you, Mr Speaker, even though it affected me that 17 of you left to join the APC without any consultation, leaving only 10 members behind,” Wike said.

The former Rivers State governor used the occasion to caution party leaders on the importance of internal cohesion, warning that disunity makes parties vulnerable to political rivals.

“This is what I have been telling our National Chairman—keep your house in order so that opponents do not come and take your people,” he stated.

Wike warned that political adversaries are constantly on the lookout for opportunities to exploit weaknesses.

“When you are not vigilant, enemies will take advantage and lure your people away. That is why you must always stay alert,” he added.

He, however, reassured the lawmakers who remained that they would continue to receive his support, regardless of future political decisions.

“To those of you who are still here, whatever choice you make going forward, I am here,” Wike said.

“But what I will not allow is for you to suffer in life.”