January 5, 2026 | SUNTV Global Channel | News
The internal political tension surrounding Rivers State deepened on Monday as the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibola Basiru, launched a blistering attack on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, urging him to resign his ministerial position and openly confront Rivers State politics.
In a strongly worded statement signed on Monday, Basiru accused the former Rivers State governor of overstepping his bounds and interfering in the internal affairs of a party to which he does not belong.
According to the APC scribe, Wike’s recent public outbursts against him and the APC National Working Committee (NWC) were not only inappropriate but unbecoming of a serving member of the Federal Executive Council.
“My attention has been drawn to the tirade of the Minister of the FCT against my person and my office as the National Secretary of the APC,” Basiru said.
Basiru explained that his earlier position—that sitting governors remain the leaders of the party in their respective states and deserve due respect—was a routine party principle, not an attack on anyone. He expressed shock that such what he described as an “innocuous statement” could provoke what he termed “uncouth responses” from a cabinet minister.
‘Wike Has No Locus Standi’
The APC National Secretary emphasized that Wike is not a registered member of the APC, insisting that the minister lacks the legal and moral standing to meddle in the party’s internal affairs, particularly in Rivers State.
“For the avoidance of doubt, our records indicate that Minister Nyesom Wike is not a member of our Party (APC). He therefore lacks the locus standi to dabble into the affairs of our Party,” Basiru stated.
He added that his role as National Secretary is national in scope and not limited to his home state of Osun, dismissing claims that his comments amounted to interference in Rivers APC matters.
N600 Billion Allegation Dismissed as ‘Cheap Blackmail’
Basiru also reacted strongly to Wike’s allegation that he and other APC leaders were scrambling for an alleged ₦600 billion “largesse” linked to Rivers State politics.
Describing the claim as “cheap blackmail,” the APC scribe challenged the FCT minister to provide proof or face legal action.
“My background and track record are those of unquestionable integrity. I challenge him to prove his allegations or we may meet in court,” Basiru warned.
‘He Is Not God’
In a personal rebuke, Basiru accused Wike of issuing veiled threats and attempting to intimidate party officials.
“He is not God. My faith is in God, and I will not succumb to cheap threats,” he said, recalling his past involvement in Nigeria’s pro-democracy struggles during the military era.
Basiru further noted that Wike’s public support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu does not automatically translate to APC membership.
“Millions of non-APC Nigerians also support Mr. President, and his own is no different,” he said.
Call for Resignation
The APC National Secretary concluded by accusing Wike of attempting to import what he described as “the spirit of the PDP” into the APC in Rivers State, warning that such actions risk destabilising the party.
He insisted that it was improper for a minister serving under an APC-led government to use the influence of his office to fuel internal party disputes.
“My advice to Nyesom Wike is clear: he cannot remain in the Federal Executive Council of an APC government while causing confusion within the party’s structures. The honourable thing to do is to resign his appointment as Minister,” Basiru declared.
As political tensions continue to rise in Rivers State, the latest exchange underscores the growing rift between key power blocs and raises fresh questions about party cohesion ahead of future political battles.
