The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mr Nyesom Wike, says the 17 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) are free to leave the party.
Sixteen lawmakers, including the Speaker, had earlier announced their defection to the APC, citing divisions within the PDP. The Speaker, Mr Martin Amaewhule, said he would work with President Bola Tinubu, whom he described as having good intentions for the country.
Speaking to journalists after inspecting the ongoing construction of an interchange bridge linking Maitama, Gishiri, Jahi and Gwarimpa districts in Abuja, Wike described the development as “unfortunate.”
He said the internal crisis within the PDP contributed to the lawmakers’ decision, but noted that his camp would continue to work with the remaining members who stayed loyal to the party.
“Well, it’s unfortunate. I have always said everybody has the right to make a choice. The party is fully factionalised. And the requirement of the Constitution is that when a party is factionalised, members are allowed to leave,” he said.
“You can see that not everybody has left. About 16 or 17 have left out of 27. We still have about 10 who remain, and we will continue to work together. They never told me, but they have a right.”
Wike reaffirmed his membership of the PDP and urged the party leadership to resolve its internal issues.
“I’m still in the PDP. Those who have remained, we will continue to work together. And I have told the party to put its house in order. If the party does not address its internal problems, it will continue to lose out,” he added.
He maintained that while those who defected acted within their rights, the remaining lawmakers must work together to ensure the party remains a relevant opposition in the state.