The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has reacted to the defection of 17 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying they are free to leave the party.

Naija News earlier reported that 16 lawmakers, including the Speaker, dumped the PDP for the APC on Friday, citing deep divisions within the PDP. Speaking on the move, Speaker Martin Amaewhule noted that he was now a member of the APC and would “join hands with Mr President,” whom he said “means well for the country.”

Addressing journalists after inspecting an interchange bridge project linking Maitama, Gishiri, Jahi, and Gwarimpa in Abuja, Wike described the development as “unfortunate,” adding that the internal crisis rocking the PDP paved the way for the lawmakers’ exit.

“Everybody has the right to make a choice. The party is fully factionalised. And the requirement of the Constitution is that when a party is factionalised, members are allowed to leave. You can see that not everyone left, 16 or 17 out of 27. We still have about 10 lawmakers, and we will continue to work together. They never informed me, but they have the right," Wike said.

The former Rivers State governor reaffirmed his commitment to the PDP and urged the party to resolve its internal issues before more members are lost.

“I’m still in the PDP. Those who remain, we will keep working together. But I have told the party to put its house in order, because if nothing is done, it is the party that will suffer. We need to ensure the remaining lawmakers can function as a relevant opposition. But if they choose not to act, that’s their decision.”

Wike added that those who left made their choice freely, while those still in the party would continue collaborating with his camp.