Fresh political realignments may be on the horizon as reports indicate that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, is considering a formal move from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Sources close to the former Rivers State governor say the decision, if taken, would not be immediate but strategically timed closer to the next election cycle. According to one ally, Wike’s eventual defection is expected to be a major political event, with many of his supporters across Rivers State and other parts of the country reportedly set to move with him.
Wike, a former PDP stalwart, was appointed FCT minister by President Bola Tinubu in 2023, a move widely linked to his role in supporting Tinubu during the 2023 presidential election, despite remaining a member of the opposition party at the time.
The source said delaying the defection is part of a broader political calculation aimed at further weakening the PDP ahead of 2027. He added that several influential figures are also expected to align with the APC, potentially leaving opposition parties with limited capacity to mount a strong challenge against the incumbent president.
According to the ally, internal divisions within the PDP particularly the presidential ambitions of Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde could deepen tensions within the party. He claimed that competition between key figures over the party’s 2027 ticket may worsen its internal crisis.
The source also alleged that Wike maintains close political relationships across party lines, including with Governor Makinde, citing federal support extended to Oyo State after a major fire incident as evidence of Wike’s influence at the national level.
On the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, including impeachment threats against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, the source said the situation has moved beyond Wike’s personal control. He claimed that the state assembly was determined to proceed, citing unresolved disagreements and alleged failure to implement earlier political agreements.
The ally further alleged that efforts to reconcile political actors in the state broke down after agreed follow-up meetings failed to hold, leading to a complete fallout. He added that during the period of emergency rule declared in the state last year, the federal authorities directed the sole administrator to work closely with Wike to stabilise governance and address outstanding issues with lawmakers.
Neither Wike nor the Presidency has officially commented on the reported defection plans.
