A fresh political storm erupted on Monday as the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibola Basiru, issued a blistering rebuke of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, demanding his immediate resignation from the Federal Executive Council over what he described as persistent interference in the internal affairs of the ruling party, particularly in Rivers State.
Basiru, in a strongly worded statement, accused Wike of launching “uncouth attacks” against his person and office following remarks affirming that sitting governors remain the political leaders of the APC in their respective states and deserve due respect from party officials.
“It is shocking that such an innocuous and principled statement could provoke such an intemperate response from a serving minister,” Basiru said.
The APC scribe stressed that Wike, a former Rivers State governor and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), is not a member of the APC and therefore lacks the standing to meddle in its affairs.
“Our records clearly show that Minister Nyesom Wike is not a member of the APC. He therefore has no locus standi to dabble into the internal affairs of our party,” Basiru stated, adding that his responsibilities as National Secretary extend to all states of the federation and cannot be restricted to his home state of Osun.
Basiru also dismissed allegations credited to Wike suggesting that APC leaders were scrambling for a purported ₦600 billion largesse in Rivers State, describing the claim as “cheap blackmail.”
“My background and track record are of unquestionable integrity,” he said, challenging the FCT minister to substantiate the allegation or be prepared to defend it in court.
Responding to what he described as veiled threats from Wike, Basiru said he would not be intimidated, recalling his role in Nigeria’s pro-democracy struggle during the military era.
“I am one of the young Nigerians who confronted military rule and fought for democracy when the likes of Wike were nowhere in sight,” he declared.
The APC National Secretary further emphasised that Wike’s public support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu does not translate into APC membership, noting that millions of Nigerians outside the ruling party also support the President.
“His attempt to destabilise the APC in Rivers State will not be tolerated. He cannot import the divisive culture of the PDP into our party,” Basiru warned.
He concluded by insisting that it is inappropriate for a minister serving in an APC-led government to use the leverage of his office to foment discord within the party.
“The honourable thing for him to do is to resign his appointment as Minister and pursue his political battles outside the APC,” Basiru said.
The exchange has further heightened political tension in Rivers State and deepened the widening rift between the APC leadership and the influential former governor, raising fresh questions about party cohesion ahead of future political contests.
Wike Must Resign, Stop Meddling in APC Affairs — Basiru
