The Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, has likened Nyesom Wike’s support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) to a football club transferring its best player to a rival team without demanding a fee.

Speaking during a New Year luncheon hosted by Wike in Port Harcourt, Oshiomhole sarcastically thanked the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for “giving” Wike to the APC, describing it as a strategic gain for the ruling party.

Wike, who is a prominent member of the PDP, played a key role in supporting the APC during the 2023 elections following a fallout with his party over its presidential ticket. His support for the APC is widely seen as instrumental in the emergence of President Bola Tinubu as Nigeria’s leader.

As a result of his contributions, Wike was appointed Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), a move interpreted by many as a reward for his allegiance to the APC during the election.

During his speech, Oshiomhole humorously compared Wike’s alignment with the APC to a football transfer:

“Thank you to PDP for giving us Nyesom Wike to help us fix Abuja. When a football club gives its best player to another club, it usually demands a hefty transfer fee. But in this case, we got Wike for free.”

He further hinted that the APC would prefer Wike to formally join its ranks:

“We may not be happy to return you to the PDP. In fact, we might even create a toll gate to prevent that. Thank you for what you’re helping us achieve in the APC.”

Oshiomhole commended Wike’s efforts as FCT Minister, describing him as a leader who prioritizes results and enforces the rule of law.

“Wike is showing Nigerians that there must be respect for environmental laws and proper governance. His dedication to duty in Abuja is evident, and we are proud of his contributions.”

He acknowledged Wike’s willingness to take tough decisions, even if it means stepping on toes, and praised his commitment to delivering on his mandate:

“Thank you for what you’re doing for Nigeria and Abuja. You are setting a standard for service delivery.”

Wike’s continued involvement with the APC, despite remaining a PDP member, underscores his complex political stance. His role in the APC government has fueled speculations about a possible defection, but he has yet to make such a move official.

As Wike continues to win praise from APC leaders, his political future remains a subject of interest in Nigeria’s dynamic political landscape.

The Chairman of Ovia South West local government area of Edo State, Edosa Enowoghomenma, has defected to the All Progressives Congress, APC.

Enowoghomenma defected to APC with eight elected councillors including the Leader of the House, Nosakhare Edobor.

Also, the chairman of Owan West Local Government Area, Dickson Ahonsi and five elected councillors also defected to the APC.

The defectees were received by the State Secretary of the party, Lawrence Okah and other members of the state executive committee.

This is coming amid the face-off between the councils and the state governor, Monday Okpebholo.

Speaking, Ahonsi said Okpebholo’s developmental strides since assuming office informed their decision to defect to APC.

He said “Firstly, his activities on the assumption of office were impressive as he made important appointments, unlike the previous government. Soon the list of commissioners will be released and it is a welcome development.

“The projects that he has embarked upon show clearly that Edo is in safe hands and that is why I am here to join the party.”

A former governor of Edo State, Adams Oshiomhole, has expressed gratitude to the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for “giving” Nyesom Wike to the Tinubu administration.

Oshiomhole, a former President of the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, hailed the PDP for the developmental strides of Wike and thanked the party for allowing him to serve as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, under the APC administration.

Wike, a PDP stalwart, supported Tinubu, the APC candidate, in the 2023 presidential election after a fallout with his party.

As a reward for his support for the emergence of the former Lagos State governor, the former Rivers State helmsman was appointed as the Minister of the FCT.

Oshiomhole likened this to a football club allowing its “best player” to join a rival.

“Thank you to PDP for giving us Nyesom Wike to help us fix Abuja. I don’t belong to any club; I only belong to Bendel Insurance, but I listen to those who say they are Manchester United fans [and the likes].

“When you are giving your best player to another club, you pay heavily,” the lawmaker representing Edo North said on Friday at a New Year luncheon organised by Wike in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.

“Thank you for what you’re helping us in APC to do. PDP Rivers led you to us without saying we should pay a transfer fee. We may not be happy to return you; we would even create a toll gate to prevent that.

“Tonight, we are celebrating a Nigerian who is adding value to the FCT, who is showing there has to be the rule of law and that we must respect certain environmental laws.

“So, thank you for what you are doing in Nigeria; thank you for what you are doing in Abuja.”