Former Rivers State governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Tonye Cole, has urged Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to make his political allegiance clear by formally joining the ruling party.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday, the Sahara Group co-founder said Wike’s current position creates unnecessary confusion in Nigerian politics, particularly in Rivers State, where he remains a key player despite internal divisions in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
“Is he (Wike) APC or is he PDP? As far as we know today, he is PDP,” Cole stated. “We cannot continue confusing the electorate in Rivers State and confusing Nigerians because it is dangerous for democracy; that you are in one party, and you are controlling another party.”
Cole insisted that Wike’s open defection would strengthen democracy and stabilise Rivers politics. He appealed to the former governor to “act honourably” by officially joining the APC.
“Where I would implore him to act honourably is to come and join the APC. Leave the PDP, come and join the APC so that we all know now that we are standing in one bloc no division, no confusion, nothing,” Cole said.
He argued that Nigeria’s democracy thrives when parties operate distinctly, with each building its strength independently. “Allow PDP to be, allow ADC to be, allow Labour Party to be, allow YPP to be. That’s what democracy is about. Let parties form their strength and come into the equation. Once that happens, then we know where we are,” Cole added.
According to a 9am News report, Wike has consistently maintained that he remains a PDP member, despite serving in President Bola Tinubu’s APC-led administration, a position that continues to fuel controversy over his loyalties.
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