Dr. Tony Okocha, the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, has asserted that the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, is not a member of the APC. During a press briefing on Thursday in Abuja, Okocha also addressed the political situation involving the 27 Rivers lawmakers who are currently engaged in a conflict with Governor Siminalayi Fubara, stating that they are not members of the APC either.
Okocha responded to claims that Wike had defected to the APC and that the lawmakers had joined the party, saying, “People say Wike has decamped to the APC. They also say that the 27 lawmakers currently fighting with Fubara have defected to the APC. I need to make this clear to everyone. Much as I wish to have them in my fold, none of them has agreed to join us.”
He emphasized that he would be aware if any of them had joined the party, but noted that their actions were merely a “political gimmick.” Okocha added that while he attempted to persuade the lawmakers to join the APC, they had not committed to doing so. “To defect, they must go to their wards, register, and get their membership cards. None of them has done that,” he explained.
Regarding Wike, Okocha was firm in his belief that the former governor of Rivers State would not leave the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). He remarked, “Wike will never leave the PDP. He has always said that PDP made him what he is. He has always said that he would remain there. He is an ardent believer in PDP. He is not likely to leave that group.” However, he acknowledged that Wike is part of the Renewed Hope Agenda.