The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has asserted that the defection of 17 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) affected him.
Naijaonpoint recalls that on December 5, 2025, the 17 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, including Speaker Martins Amaewhule, defected from the PDP to the APC.
Their defection heightened political tensions in the state, which had just emerged from a six-month state of emergency.
Shortly after their defection, Governor Sim Fubara also left PDP for APC amid the leadership crisis between him and Wike.
Speaking at the Assembly Quarters on Saturday, Wike said the lawmakers defected to the APC without consulting him.
Wike vowed to ensure that the Assembly members who have not defected would never suffer again.
He said, “Let me thank you Mr Speaker even though it affected me with 17 of you moving out to join APC without consulting me and leaving 10 other members here.
“This is what I have been advising my National Chairman, keep your house in order so that the enemies will not come and take our people.
“The enemies are hovering around and when you are not vigilant they take your people, that is why you must be at alert to make sure that enemies don’t take your people.
“Those of you still remaining, whenever you choose, I’m here, but what I will not do is to let you suffer in your life.”