The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has stated that the 16 defecting members of the Rivers State House of Assembly are free to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Wike made the remarks on Friday while speaking to journalists, adding that his faction would continue to collaborate with the lawmakers who remain loyal to the party.
Reacting to the development, the former Rivers State governor described it as unfortunate, noting that the party’s internal divisions played a role in prompting the lawmakers’ exit.
“Well, it’s unfortunate. I have always believed that everyone has the right to make their own choices. The party is fully factionalised, and under the Constitution, when a party is factionalised, members are permitted to leave.
“You will see that it’s not everyone who has left. I believe 16 or 17 of them have left out of 27. We still have a substantial number, about 10, and we will continue to work together.
“They never informed me, but they have the right to make their decision,” he said.
Politics Nigeria earlier reported that 16 lawmakers, including Speaker Martins Amaewhule, formally announced their defection from the PDP to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) during a plenary session of the Rivers State House of Assembly on Friday.