Nigeria TV Info 

Wike: Rivers Assembly Lawmakers Didn’t Inform Me Before Defecting to APC

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has reacted to the recent defection of several Rivers State House of Assembly members to the All Progressives Congress (APC), stating that none of the lawmakers informed him before making their move.

Wike, who spoke during an interactive session with journalists in Abuja on Thursday, said the lawmakers acted on their own political calculations and not based on any consultation with him. He stressed that contrary to speculation, he neither encouraged nor advised the lawmakers to join the APC, adding that he was surprised by their decision.

According to the former governor of Rivers State, political parties behave like “open markets,” and individuals naturally reposition themselves when they feel dissatisfied or uncertain about their future within their current platform. He, however, maintained that he remains a committed member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) despite ongoing tensions within the Rivers political landscape.

Wike further distanced himself from suggestions that the mass defection was part of a broader political strategy orchestrated from Abuja, insisting that he has no desire to interfere in the internal workings of the Rivers Assembly.

He advised the lawmakers and the state government to pursue peace and avoid actions capable of destabilising governance and public order in the state.

The defection crisis has continued to deepen political divisions in Rivers State, with analysts warning that the development may complicate the already fragile relationship between the executive and legislative arms.