The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has firmly stated that he will not abandon the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) despite the ongoing internal crisis within the party.

Wike made this declaration during a media briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, marking his first year in office as the FCT Minister. Although appointed by President Bola Tinubu, Wike remains a committed PDP member, quelling speculations of a possible defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) that have followed him since his appointment.

The tension within the PDP has been exacerbated by the conflict between Wike and his successor as Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, with both vying for control of the party in the state. When asked if he would consider leaving the PDP if the crisis in Rivers State persists, Wike responded emphatically, “I don’t run away from a fight. I will stay there and fight it out. Who am I going to run from? The vampires?”

He continued, “Did I not say I wouldn’t support the presidential candidate of PDP? Did I do it secretly?” The turmoil in Rivers State has also led to a division within the state’s house of assembly.

Wike criticized the situation, insisting that the legislative body must be allowed to function properly. “It is impunity and madness for three lawmakers to constitute the Rivers assembly and pass the state budget,” Wike remarked.

“I have made it very clear that the Rivers house of assembly must work. You sit in your house and say three people will constitute an assembly. You say these people have defected; who pronounces defection? You have gone to court several times, but you can wait for the judgment of the court.”