PDP Claims Wike on 'Loan' to APC, Rejects Permanent Defection

The People's Democratic Party has responded to recent praise of Nyesom Wike by the All Progressives Congress, insisting the Federal Capital Territory minister is merely on temporary assignment to the ruling party and has not permanently switched allegiances. PDP's national leadership made the declaration on Wednesday through party spokesperson Jungudo Moham, characterizing Wike as a valuable political figure whose loyalty to the opposition party remains intact.

The statement came after APC National Chairman Nentaw Yilwatda publicly commended Wike's performance during the commissioning of infrastructure projects in Abuja on Tuesday. The APC chair highlighted the minister's leadership qualities and project delivery record within the federal administration.

Rather than accept this as acknowledgment of Wike's contributions to governance, the PDP framed the praise as an attempt to court away one of its leading figures. The PDP leadership rejected any notion that Wike's current ministerial role signals a permanent break from the party.

Officials stated the party has no intention of relinquishing its claim on Wike, regardless of political pressures or attempted inducements from the ruling administration. The characterization of Wike as being 'on loan' suggests the PDP views his service in the APC-led government as a temporary arrangement rather than a genuine political defection.

Wike's dual position—serving at the federal level under an APC president while maintaining formal ties to the opposition PDP—has created ongoing speculation about his long-term political future. The minister, who previously served as Rivers State governor, continues to occupy a prominent role in the ruling administration while remaining listed among the opposition party's leading members.