Wike praises Okowa, Oborevwori for joining APC

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has expressed admiration for the immediate past governor of Delta State, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, for openly declaring his support for President Bola Tinubu.

Wike also commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for what he described as a heart-warming decision to align with the president.

Wike’s remarks were contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, in Abuja.

Okowa, who was the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) vice-presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, on Wednesday, defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

He was joined by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and several other PDP leaders in Delta State, leading to the collapse of the party’s structures in the state into the APC.

Describing the move as a fresh endorsement of President Tinubu’s leadership and developmental strides, Wike urged other Nigerians still undecided about their political allegiance to come out in support of the president.

According to him, Okowa’s open endorsement of Tinubu validates the position he took in 2023, which, he said, was driven by the goal of fostering a united and prosperous Nigeria.

“I commend Okowa and Governor Oborevwori for this heart-warming decision, which must have been informed by the good governance and commitment of President Bola Tinubu to the oneness and development of Nigeria,” Wike stated.

“That is what I have always told people to come out and say, not to be running up and down when they have problems.”

“They have come out at the right time to show support for Mr President so that the people of Niger Delta can benefit more from the government, and I commend them for it.”

Wike added that he was particularly pleased to see others embracing the position he took before the last presidential election.

“I am particularly happy that what I saw before the 2023 presidential election, others are now seeing and are joining the ‘Renewed Hope train,’” he remarked.