The National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibola Basiru, has called on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to immediately resign his ministerial appointment, accusing him of undue interference in the internal affairs of the ruling party, particularly in Rivers State.Newsletter subscription service
In a strongly worded statement dated Monday, January 5, 2026, Basiru described Wike’s recent comments against him and the office of the APC National Secretary as uncouth and unbecoming of a member of the Federal Executive Council. He explained that his earlier position, that sitting governors deserve respect and remain party leaders in their states, was routine party doctrine and should not have provoked hostility.
Basiru stressed that Wike is not a registered member of the All Progressives Congress and therefore lacks the standing to interfere in party affairs. According to him, his role as National Secretary requires engagement across all states, not just his home state of Osun, and his comments on Rivers APC issues were fully within his constitutional responsibilities.
The APC National Secretary also dismissed allegations attributed to Wike concerning a purported ₦600 billion largesse, describing them as cheap blackmail. He challenged the FCT Minister to provide evidence or face legal action, asserting that his public service record is defined by integrity and accountability.
Responding to what he described as veiled threats, Basiru said he would not be intimidated, noting his long-standing involvement in Nigeria’s pro-democracy struggle during military rule. He added that political influence should not be mistaken for absolute power.
Basiru further clarified that Wike’s public support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu does not translate into APC membership, stressing that support for the president cuts across party lines. He warned that attempts to import internal practices from the opposition PDP into the APC, particularly in Rivers State, would not be tolerated.
Concluding his statement, Basiru argued that it is inappropriate for anyone to simultaneously serve in the Federal Executive Council and foment division within the ruling party. He maintained that the honourable course of action for Wike, if he wishes to continue engaging in partisan conflicts, is to resign his position as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
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