The Peoples Democratic Party has reaffirmed its loyalty to Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, declaring that the former Rivers State governor remains one of its most valuable political assets despite his role in the APC-led Federal Government.
The position was made public on Wednesday by PDP National Publicity Secretary Jungudo Mohammed, who dismissed suggestions that Wike could permanently align with the ruling All Progressives Congress.
The statement followed remarks by APC National Chairman Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, who recently praised Wike’s leadership and performance while commissioning a project in Abuja.
Reacting to the commendation, the PDP described it as a public acknowledgment of the calibre of leaders within its ranks and insisted that Wike’s appointment as FCT minister does not alter his political identity.
“The commendation by the APC National Chairman is yet another public acknowledgment of the quality, competence, and leadership capacity that the PDP continues to offer Nigeria,” the party said.
The opposition party maintained that Wike remains a committed member despite serving in President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
“Barrister Wike remains a committed and loyal member of the Peoples Democratic Party,” the statement added.
In one of the statement’s most notable remarks, the PDP likened Wike’s role in the APC-led government to a temporary arrangement rather than a permanent political shift.
“As Professor Yilwatda himself implied, Barrister Wike’s engagement with the APC-led administration is best described as a loan arrangement, and we wish to state unequivocally that the agreement contains no provision whatsoever for a permanent transfer deal,” the party said.
The PDP further stressed that there were no plans to allow one of its leading political figures to leave permanently, regardless of any political overtures.
“We further wish to state that the PDP has no intention whatsoever of parting with one of its most valuable political assets, regardless of any offers or overtures that may be made,” it stated.
A secondary highlight of the statement was the party’s strong defence of Wike’s performance as FCT minister.
The PDP praised his record in infrastructure development and urban renewal, arguing that his achievements demonstrate the leadership qualities the party has consistently produced over the years.
The party said Wike’s stewardship in the nation’s capital has attracted commendation from Nigerians across political and social divides, describing his tenure as evidence of effective governance.
Wike has remained a central figure in Nigerian politics since the 2023 general election, when his relationship with the PDP leadership became a major talking point.
Despite those tensions, he accepted an appointment in President Tinubu’s cabinet while maintaining his membership of the opposition party.
His position has continued to generate debate within both the PDP and APC, with political observers closely watching how his influence could shape alliances and strategies ahead of the 2027 elections.
The PDP concluded by urging Nigerians to support the party in the next electoral cycle, insisting that it remains home to experienced leaders capable of driving national development and delivering effective governance.
Quadri Olaitan is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
