Wike warns Fubara: APC defection not a free pass to 2027

Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has said that Siminalayi Fubara, Rivers State Governor, is at liberty to join the All Progressives Congress without seeking his approval, but stressed that such a move does not automatically secure electoral victory in 2027.

Wike made this known on Monday during his monthly live media engagement at his residence in Port Harcourt.

Recalled that Fubara formally left the Peoples Democratic Party for the APC in early December after a private meeting with President Bola Tinubu in Abuja.

Following that meeting, the governor addressed state officials at the Government House, where he explained that his decision was aimed at giving his full backing to the President ahead of the next general elections

Reacting to questions about the defection, Wike said Fubara was not required to obtain his consent, describing the decision as expected, especially after members of the Rivers State House of Assembly and several local government chairmen had already crossed over to the APC.

He noted that the governor’s action did not come as a shock, pointing out that many individuals who once accused him of secretly supporting the APC and President Tinubu had themselves moved to the ruling party.

Wike emphasised that no one can prevent another person from choosing a political platform, adding that defection alone does not guarantee a party ticket or electoral success. He explained that candidates must work for their tickets and earn the trust of the people, rather than assuming loyalty to a party or leader ensures automatic nomination.

He further recalled that several governors had previously left the PDP and accused him of undermining the party on behalf of the APC, only for those same critics to later defect themselves.

According to Wike, with lawmakers and council chairmen in Rivers State already aligning with the APC, it was only natural for the governor to follow the same path, reiterating that Fubara’s decision required no approval from him.

Culled from Business Day