Chief Dan Orbih, the National Vice-Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has stated that Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), is working for Nigerians and not for the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In an exclusive interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Saturday, Orbih explained that the PDP, having followed due processes and consultations, officially permitted Wike to serve in President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Consequently, Orbih insists there is no controversy regarding Wike’s service in the APC-led government.
“There is absolutely no record that the current acting national chairman or members of the national working committee, or any party organ, opposed his involvement in the government,” Orbih clarified.
According to Orbih, Wike sought and received explicit approvals from various critical organs of the PDP, including the South-South Zonal executive, the state chapter, his local government, ward chapters, and even the PDP Governors Forum.
“We had a meeting in Port Harcourt, and unanimously, we agreed it was a national call to service and thus gave him our nod,” Orbih emphasized, highlighting the widespread support Wike received within PDP structures.
Furthermore, Orbih noted, “The Governors Forum, after their first meeting, sent a delegation to Abuja specifically to congratulate him.”
Addressing misconceptions, Orbih cautioned political parties to treat their members carefully to avoid unnecessary conflict, saying, “Wike’s participation in this administration should not be an issue except for those who wish to create mischief.”
Orbih reiterated that Wike officially informed every significant PDP organ before accepting President Tinubu’s invitation. He added that the PDP Board of Trustees recently met with Wike at his official residence without raising objections about his ministerial role.
“Wike, as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, is not working for APC; he is working for the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Orbih stressed.
Additionally, Orbih highlighted that his political affiliation with PDP does not dictate his personal friendships across party lines.
“Let me make this clear—my membership in PDP cannot dictate who my friends or enemies should be. At my age, no political party can instruct me on whom to associate with,” he explained.
“I have friends across Labour Party, APC, and other political platforms. This does not diminish my commitment to PDP. PDP cannot determine my friendship with Nyesom Wike, a dependable and hardworking friend,” Orbih concluded.
