A major political clash erupted on Monday between Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike and the leadership of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) over Rivers State’s ongoing political crisis and Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s role.
The confrontation intensified after APC National Secretary Senator Ajibola Basiru demanded that Wike either stop interfering in the party’s affairs or resign from President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet.
In a sharply worded statement from Abuja, Basiru accused Wike of attempting to destabilise the APC, saying 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 comments were prompted by Wike’s attacks after Basiru had urged party leaders to respect sitting governors, whom he described as the party’s leaders in their respective 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 added.
Basiru further stressed that Wike had no authority to interfere in APC affairs, noting that party records indicate 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 said.
Earlier, Wike had warned Basiru to stay out of Rivers politics, calling the state a “no-go area” for external interference.
He made 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 followed remarks by APC National Vice Chairman (South-South) Victor Giadom, who referred to Governor Fubara as “the so-called governor,” suggesting he could not secure a second term without Wike’s backing.
Basiru described Giadom’s comments as unfortunate, insisting that the office of governor deserves respect regardless of political differences. In a Facebook post, he wrote:
“It is wrong for any National Working Committee member to refer to a sitting governor in such terms. The office is an exalted one.”
Responding, 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 emphasized that Rivers residents freely supported President Tinubu in 2023, despite little backing from others at the time.
In reply, Basiru defended his nationwide role as national secretary, saying his position allows him to speak on party matters across the country.
“Protecting the party’s interests nationwide cannot be considered undue interference,” he said.
He also dismissed Wike’s claim about a ₦600 billion scramble in Rivers as baseless and defamatory, warning that veiled threats would not intimidate him.
Basiru further stressed that public support for President Tinubu does not automatically make someone an APC member.
“Wike cannot destabilise the APC in Rivers State. He cannot import the spirit of the PDP into our party,” he said.
