Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has responded to the decision by the Atiku Abubakar-led anti-Tinubu coalition to adopt the African Democratic Congress (ADC), saying that the defection of key figures like Rotimi Amaechi from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) signals the exit of what he termed “buccaneers and vampires” from the party.
Speaking during a media chat in Abuja, Wike revealed that he had spoken with the PDP leadership on Wednesday the same day the coalition embraced the ADC urging them to take advantage of the situation. He stressed that the departure of these individuals was a positive development for the PDP.
“I told the PDP leadership yesterday to seize this opportunity. The buccaneers are gone. The vampires who never had the party’s best interest at heart have now left,” Wike stated.
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He criticized the narrative being pushed by the defectors, challenging their political credibility and pointing to PDP’s consistent struggles in certain regions. “I saw Inna Ciroma on television two days ago speaking. Since 1999, has PDP ever won Yobe State? No. So, what exactly is she talking about? The PDP has largely been sustained by the South-South and, to some extent, the South-East.”
Wike also took aim at Emeka Ihedioha, who recently left the party. “Why did he leave? Because Sam Anyanwu wasn’t removed as Secretary. So, because of that personal issue, you walk away and then claim Nigerians are angry? Just admit that you were outmaneuvered politically. Don’t transfer your personal defeat onto the nation. Let’s start taking Nigeria’s issues seriously.”
He dismissed the idea that the ADC poses a real threat, despite being backed by heavyweights like Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi. “People say ‘with Atiku and Obi together’ what does that even mean? Why not say ‘without Wike, the coalition is already weak’? Do you really think they’re stronger than me?” Wike challenged.
