The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has openly admitted that the All Progressives Congress (APC) has become a serious political threat to him in Rivers State.
Wike made this disclosure on Monday while speaking during his monthly media chat in Abuja, where he reflected on the current political realities in Rivers State and his position as a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
According to the former Rivers State governor, the scale of political appointments currently enjoyed by Rivers State at the federal level is unprecedented, describing it as something he has never witnessed in the state’s history.
“I have a problem as a member of PDP, and I will tell you why,” Wike said. “What is going on now, I have never seen this level of empowerment of any state like Rivers State in terms of political appointments. It’s a problem for me as a PDP member.”
He explained that both during military and civilian administrations, Rivers State had never received such a number of federal appointments, stressing that the situation now poses a challenge to his political influence.
“Since the history of Rivers State, whether military or civilian rule, we have never had this kind of political appointments at the federal level. Never. So, it’s a threat,” he added.
Wike further noted that the development has made it difficult for him to convince people politically, as many now question his message and stance.
“Even when you are preaching, people will ask you, ‘what are you preaching?’” he said.
The FCT minister bluntly described the APC as a threat to his political standing, stating that despite PDP having opportunities in the past, his continued relevance is now largely based on the trust and faith the people of Rivers State still have in him.
“APC is a threat to me, whether PDP likes it or not. They had the opportunity. The only thing working for me now is that my people believe in me and still have that faith in me,” Wike concluded.
His comments have since sparked fresh political conversations, especially as Rivers State continues to play a key role in Nigeria’s political landscape.