Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has praised former Delta State Governor and 2023 PDP vice presidential candidate, Ifeanyi Okowa, for defecting to the All Progressives Congress, describing the move as “smart” and a display of political bravery. He also criticized the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for failing to foresee the defection. Speaking during a monthly media parley on Monday in Abuja, Wike expressed astonishment at the PDP’s lack of foresight, referring to Okowa as a seasoned and strategic political figure. “I’m surprised that PDP said they didn’t see it coming,” Wike remarked. “I won’t call the names of the governors. I call them. I said listen, the way things are going, I have warned you people. You said they are governors. I have no problem. Let’s see what will happen.” He further defended Okowa’s decision, insisting it was an honest and principled stance in contrast to others who play both sides. “He said he was going to support the President. That’s the crime? But the Chairman of the Board of Trustees – the conscience of the party – adopted Alex Otti for a second tenure. Why are people not commenting about that? He adopted the governor under the Labour Party to go for a second term.” In Wike’s view, Okowa chose clarity over duplicity. “Now this man said, look, I’m not going to do that kind of pretense. I will not be here and go and support him. Smart politician.” The FCT Minister, known for his vocal critiques of his former party, used the opportunity to reiterate his concerns about PDP’s leadership and internal cohesion. He continued, “If you don’t show leadership, you suffer for it. This is what I’ve been saying. When people talk about the governor of Delta State and his deputy and all his team moved out of PDP to APC. What? What wrong did he do?”