The political transformation of Nyesom Wike, former Governor of Rivers State, from a celebrated hero within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to a prominent figure in the All Progressives Congress (APC), has sparked fresh controversy within the opposition party.
The Acting Chairman of the PDP has openly criticized Wike’s shift to the APC, calling for sanctions against him for allegedly damaging the party’s image.Wike, who was once a key leader and influencer in the PDP, has caused a stir with his recent allegiance to the ruling APC. His defection has left many questioning his commitment to the party, with the Acting PDP Chair going as far as labeling him a “servant” of the APC. In a public statement, the Acting Chair demanded that the PDP sanction Wike, saying that his actions have caused irreparable harm to the party.
"The damage Wike has done to the PDP cannot be ignored. From being a hero in the party to now being an advocate for the APC, his actions are contradictory to the principles of the PDP," the Acting Chairman said, calling for accountability. “Wike has moved to the APC, and in doing so, he has significantly hurt the morale of our members. His new allegiance to the APC is a direct betrayal of everything the PDP stands for.”
The Acting Chairman also provided evidence to support his call for Wike's sanctioning, citing various public statements and actions taken by Wike since his shift to the APC, which have contradicted the values of the PDP. Wike’s role in the 2023 general elections, particularly his open criticisms of PDP leaders and his eventual defection to the APC, has been viewed as damaging by many party members.
The PDP has been grappling with internal divisions since the 2023 elections, and Wike’s departure has only added fuel to the fire. His move to the APC, alongside other political shifts, has left the party at a crossroads, as it seeks to rebuild and regain its footing as the main opposition force in Nigeria.
As the debate over Wike’s political shift continues, many are now questioning whether the PDP can recover from the damage done by its former hero, who now stands as a key figure in the APC.
