The APC has disowned Nyesom Wike and the 27 embattled lawmakers in the Rivers State House of Assembly, marking a significant development in the ongoing political landscape of the region. This decision comes amid escalating tensions between the party and the state government led by Gov. Siminalayi Fubara.
Dr. Tony Okocha, Chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Rivers, has explicitly stated that FCT Minister Nyesom Wike is not a member of the APC, countering rumors suggesting otherwise. In an interview with newsmen on Thursday in Abuja, Okocha emphasized the need to clarify the status of Wike and the 27 lawmakers who are currently involved in a bitter political struggle with Governor Fubara.
Okocha remarked, “People say Wike has decamped to the APC. They also say that the 27 lawmakers currently fighting with Fubara have defected to the APC. I need to make this clear to everyone. Much as I wish to have them in my fold, none of them has agreed to join us.” His remarks underscore the party’s attempt to maintain a clear boundary between itself and the lawmakers amid rising speculation about political alignments.
Further addressing the situation, he added, “I am the one that should know if they did. But, clearly, they have not. What the lawmakers did was a political gimmick. I tried to woo them, but they kept vacillating and did not.” Okocha emphasized that for a defection to be valid, the lawmakers must go to their wards, register, and obtain membership cards, which he claims none of them have done.
Okocha was particularly categorical in declaring that Wike would not leave the PDP to become a member of the APC. He asserted, “Wike will never leave the PDP. He has always said that the PDP made him what he is. He has always said that he would remain there. He is an ardent believer in the PDP. He is not likely to leave that group.” This statement reiterates the strong bond Wike has with the PDP and his commitment to the party that has played a significant role in his political career.
However, Okocha acknowledged that while Wike may not be part of the APC, he is a member of the Renewed Hope Agenda. “In Rivers, I am 001 in APC, but in the Renewed Hope Agenda, I am 002. Wike is 001,” he explained, highlighting the different political affiliations and alignments within the state.
Okocha also spoke on Wike’s influence on Rivers’ politics, stating, “Wike has done so much for Rivers, so he is strong. In the next 10 years, Wike will continue to influence the political direction in Rivers. It will be difficult to uproot him. Aside from his many projects scattered throughout the state, he has touched people’s lives directly. Such people will always be behind him.” His comments reflect Wike's enduring impact on the region, as he has established himself as a significant political figure with substantial support from the populace.
Describing Wike as a politician who could identify with every good cause irrespective of political party, Okocha stated, “Once the cause is good and will give him a platform to serve his people, Wike will be part of it.” This portrayal highlights Wike’s pragmatic approach to politics, focusing on the welfare of the people above party lines and affiliations.