The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has publicly urged his political associates and supporters to fully align with the All Progressives Congress (APC), in what appears to be his most explicit endorsement of the ruling party since joining President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s cabinet.

Speaking at a recent public event in Abuja, Wike stated that “this is the time to stand for the party,” a comment widely interpreted as a call for mass defection from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC.

This marks a significant shift from Wike’s earlier insistence that he was “working for President Tinubu, not the APC.”

Wike’s statement has reignited debates over his political allegiance, especially as he continues to hold on to his PDP membership while serving in an APC-led administration.

Political Realignment in Motion?

While Wike has previously denied defecting from the PDP, his recent rhetoric suggests a growing willingness to publicly associate with the APC. Political observers believe this may be a precursor to a formal declaration of party switch ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“This is the time to stand for the party,” Wike said, in a message believed to be directed at his loyalists in Rivers State and beyond.

Though he stopped short of announcing his official defection, his choice of words leaves little ambiguity about his current political trajectory.

APC Opens Doors, But Internal Resistance Persists

President Tinubu has earlier extended an open invitation to Wike, affirming that the APC would welcome him “when he is ready” to join officially.

The President made this statement during the commissioning of projects in the FCT, a gesture widely seen as a public endorsement of Wike’s performance as minister.

However, Wike’s potential entry into the APC has not been universally welcomed within the party.

The Rivers State chapter of the APC recently issued a statement distancing itself from calls for Wike to lead the party in the state, describing such calls as the work of “impostors and political jobbers.”

Also Read: FG Cancels Independence Day Parade, Other Celebrations to Proceed

“He is an enemy of our party. He called the APC a cancer. Such a person cannot now turn around and lead us,” a prominent party member said earlier this year.

PDP Reacts: “Wike is Working Against Us”

Within the PDP, reactions have ranged from dismay to outright condemnation. A faction of the party in Rivers State has labeled Wike an “APC agent” working to destabilize the opposition from within.

The group insists that Wike’s involvement in PDP affairs is no longer tenable given his growing public alignment with the ruling party.

“This is nothing short of sabotage,” a PDP stakeholder said, accusing the former Rivers State Governor of “serving two masters.”

Still, some PDP figures have remained diplomatic, noting that Wike’s ministerial appointment was a result of political consensus and should not be viewed as a defection — unless formally announced.

What Next for Wike?

With the 2027 election season drawing closer, Wike’s next political move could reshape the power dynamics in both the APC and PDP.

Analysts say his influence, particularly in the South-South region, could prove decisive if he mobilizes his support base in favor of the APC.

For now, Wike appears to be testing the waters — making bold statements of support while stopping short of official defection.

Whether he takes the final step into the APC fold may depend on internal negotiations, political guarantees, and the reaction from both party leaderships.