A sharp political confrontation unfolded on Monday between Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike and the leadership of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) over Rivers State’s political crisis and Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s position.
The dispute escalated after APC National Secretary Senator Ajibola Basiru demanded that Wike either cease interfering in the party’s internal affairs or resign from President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet.
In a strongly worded statement from Abuja, Basiru accused Wike of trying to destabilise the APC, arguing it was contradictory for him to serve in an APC-led government while allegedly creating discord within the party.
“He cannot be in the Federal Executive Council of an APC government and simultaneously cause confusion within any organ or structure of the party. The honourable thing to do is to resign his appointment as minister,” Basiru said.
The APC official explained that his remarks were provoked by Wike’s attacks after Basiru had urged party leaders to respect sitting governors, who he described as party leaders in their states.
“I was shocked that what I considered an innocuous statement could trigger such uncouth responses from a member of the Federal Executive Council,” he said.
Basiru further insisted that Wike had no standing to interfere in APC matters, noting that party records show the former Rivers governor is not a member of the ruling party.
“Our records indicate that Minister Nyesom Wike is not a member of the APC and therefore lacks the authority to meddle in our party’s affairs,” he added.
Earlier, Wike had warned Basiru to steer clear of Rivers politics, describing the state as a “no-go area” for external interference.
He issued the warning during a visit to Oyigbo Local Government Area, accusing some politicians of exploiting claims of ₦600 billion in the state’s coffers to make reckless statements about Rivers affairs.
The warning came after APC National Vice Chairman (South-South) Victor Giadom referred to Governor Fubara as “the so-called governor,” implying he could not win a second term without Wike’s backing.
Basiru described Giadom’s comments as unfortunate, stressing that the office of governor deserves respect regardless of political differences. In a Facebook post, he said:
“It is wrong for any National Working Committee member to refer to a sitting governor in such terms. The office is an exalted one.”
Reacting, Wike urged Basiru to stop meddling in Rivers affairs:
“Tell your national secretary to leave Rivers State alone. Don’t take our support for Mr President for granted. This state is a no-go area. Stop making unnecessary comments. If your hand burns, don’t blame us,” he said.
Wike reiterated that Rivers residents freely supported President Tinubu in 2023, despite receiving little backing from others at the time.
In response, Basiru defended his authority as national secretary, saying his role empowers him to speak on party matters nationwide.
“Protecting the party’s interests across the country cannot be considered undue interference,” he said.
He also dismissed Wike’s claim about a supposed ₦600 billion scramble in Rivers as baseless and defamatory, warning that Wike’s veiled threats would not intimidate him.
Basiru emphasized that public support for President Tinubu does not automatically confer APC membership.
“Wike cannot destabilise the APC in Rivers State. He cannot import the spirit of the PDP into our party,” he said.
