Nyesom Wike has reaffirmed that he is still in PDP while addressing the widespread France arrest rumor that stirred political tensions. He clarified that he remains firmly committed to his party despite the growing crisis in the Rivers State House of Assembly. His comments came as more lawmakers switched parties and as social media buzzed with speculation about his alleged detention abroad.
Wike described the rumour as a desperate political ploy designed to distract him. He maintained that no arrest took place and insisted that he spent the alleged date of detention in Abuja inspecting road projects. His stance aimed to reassure supporters amid rising confusion and shifting political alliances.
To begin, Wike explained that the exodus of lawmakers from the Rivers Assembly resulted from the prolonged and unresolved division within the PDP. He argued that the party had operated under unconstitutional conditions that naturally encouraged members to leave. Although many legislators defected, he noted that not all abandoned the party, emphasising that about 10 lawmakers stayed behind to uphold PDP’s presence in the state.
Next, he urged the party’s leadership to confront its internal crisis with urgency. According to him, meaningful reform remains impossible without unity. He challenged the PDP to reorganize its structure and reconnect with its base or risk further internal collapse. His message underscored the seriousness of the party’s internal fractures.
Furthermore, Wike addressed the France arrest rumour head-on. He described it as a calculated piece of misinformation engineered to damage his reputation. He highlighted that political opponents have used similar tactics in the past, including fabricated health scares and rumours of secret foreign trips. In his view, the pattern suggests a broader agenda to diminish his influence. He stressed that such rumours do not distract him from performing his duties.
Additionally, Wike pointed out that the rumour circulated widely because many people consume sensational news without verification. He warned his supporters not to fall for false narratives meant to create panic. By emphasising his presence in Abuja on the rumoured date, he dismissed the claims as laughable and malicious.
Afterwards, he reminded critics that his performance would remain his most powerful response. He stated that President Bola Tinubu entrusted him with critical responsibilities and that fulfilling those responsibilities overrides every smear campaign. He encouraged the public to judge him based on his work, not fabricated stories.
Finally, Wike reiterated once again that he is still in PDP. He vowed to stay focused, support remaining members of the party, and continue delivering on government projects. He closed by urging Nigerians to ignore politically motivated falsehoods, including the France arrest rumour, and pay attention to verifiable facts.
