Dele Momodu explains Wike’s hesitation to join APC

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dele Momodu, has offered insights into why the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has not formally defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Speaking during an interview with Arise News on Thursday, Momodu suggested that Wike’s reluctance stems from his desire to retain the power and influence he currently enjoys within the PDP.

According to him, Wike would have joined the APC earlier if he were confident of wielding the same level of authority in the ruling party.

“The crisis in PDP began when Wike lost the presidential primary to Atiku Abubakar in 2022,” Momodu explained. “There are those who are still sulking over their losses in the primaries and have not fully recovered. While some have spiritually or politically aligned with the APC, they are yet to physically leave the PDP.”

Momodu further claimed that Wike’s current influence is being bolstered by his ties to the ruling APC, allowing him to empower allies and destabilize the PDP.

“Wike knows that his power within PDP would diminish if he fully joined APC, which is why he remains on the sidelines, empowering his friends to undermine PDP,” he added.

He also accused the APC-led government of orchestrating crises within opposition parties, including the Labour Party (LP) and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), in a bid to create a one-party state.

“Nigeria is inching closer to becoming a one-party state. The APC is using state power to suppress opposition, and this extends to crises within PDP, LP, and NNPP,” Momodu alleged.

“Wike’s influence would not be this significant without the backing of the ruling government.”

Momodu expressed concern over the trajectory of Nigerian politics under President Bola Tinubu, saying, “I never imagined a civilian administration would make it so difficult for opposition to thrive. This is a tragedy for democracy.”