The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has clarified that the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, is free to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC) without seeking his consent.
However, Wike emphasised that joining the ruling party does not automatically secure Fubara a ticket for the 2027 elections.
Fubara switched allegiance from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to APC in early December after a private meeting with President Bola Tinubu in Abuja.
He stated that his move was aimed at offering full support to the President ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Wike, speaking during his monthly media chat at his Port Harcourt country home, noted that Fubara’s defection was not surprising.
He explained that several members of the Rivers State House of Assembly and council chairmen had already moved to APC, making Fubara’s decision a natural progression.
“I cannot stop anybody from associating with any party. Leaving PDP doesn’t guarantee anyone an automatic ticket. You must earn the mandate of the people,” Wike said.
The minister also addressed accusations that he was allegedly working to favour APC, pointing out that many who criticised him had themselves defected.
He stressed the importance of working hard to earn political positions rather than assuming entitlement.
