Wike Calls Diri’s PDP Exit ‘Embarrassing’, Warns of Political Tsunami

The former Governor of Rivers State and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has described the resignation of Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as “embarrassing” and a blow to the party.

Speaking to journalists on Friday in Abuja, Wike expressed disappointment over Diri’s departure, noting that both he and Diri held key positions in the party’s upcoming elective national convention scheduled for November 15 and 16.

“It is very embarrassing. The governor was the chairman of the convention committee. Diri was the chairman of the zoning committee. Even though I knew from the beginning that they were all playing games,” Wike said.

The former Rivers governor added that the recent wave of defections from the PDP did not surprise him, insisting that party leaders have ignored warnings about the consequences of their actions.

“Have I not said that so many governors will leave? Is it the first time you’ve heard me say so? Nothing I said has not come to pass. From day one, I said if things are not done properly, PDP will continue to lose — and we will regret it,” he said.

On whether the defections could benefit the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Wike said he was unsure but warned of a looming political upheaval.

“I don’t know whether the political tsunami is in favour of the APC. All I know is that there will be a political tsunami,” he stated.

Wike dismissed claims that his remarks were driven by bitterness over losing the PDP’s 2022 presidential ticket to former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, insisting his criticism is principle-based.

“Which house (PDP) do they say I want to pull down? The house that has died since?” he asked rhetorically.

The former governor also accused some PDP leaders of impunity and neglect of due process, blaming their conduct for the party’s dwindling influence.