The National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ajibola Basiru, has called on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to resign his appointment, accusing him of making unwarranted attacks and interfering in the internal affairs of the ruling party, particularly in Rivers State.
In a statement released on Monday, Basiru said he was responding to what he described as a verbal outburst by Wike following his recent remarks that members of the APC National Working Committee (NWC) must accord sitting governors due respect, noting that governors remain the party’s recognised political leaders in their respective states.
According to the APC scribe, it was “surprising and disappointing” that such a mild and straightforward position could trigger what he termed “uncouth reactions” from a serving member of the Federal Executive Council.
Basiru stressed that Wike is not a registered member of the APC and therefore lacks the standing to intervene in the party’s internal matters. He maintained that as National Secretary, he is constitutionally mandated to safeguard the interests, structures, and members of the APC nationwide.
He further clarified that his responsibilities are not limited to his home state of Osun, insisting that his comments on APC affairs in Rivers State were well within the scope of his office and could not be interpreted as undue interference.
The APC National Secretary also rejected allegations by the FCT minister that he was among party leaders allegedly jostling for a purported ₦600 billion allocation in Rivers State, describing the claim as baseless and malicious.
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Basiru warned that unless Wike provides evidence to support the allegation, he would not hesitate to seek legal redress. He emphasized that his public service record is rooted in integrity and accountability.
Responding to what he described as attempts to intimidate him, Basiru accused the former Rivers State governor of overestimating his political influence, declaring that he would not be cowed by threats or rhetoric.
He also argued that Wike’s public endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu does not translate to membership of the APC, noting that several supporters of the president belong to other political parties.
Basiru cautioned against what he described as efforts to import the internal culture of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) into the APC, warning that any attempt to destabilise the party in Rivers State would be firmly resisted.
He concluded by advising Wike to make a clear choice between remaining a member of the Federal Executive Council or actively engaging in partisan conflicts within the APC.
According to Basiru, it is inappropriate for a minister in an APC-led federal government to use the influence of public office to fuel internal party disputes, adding that the honourable option would be for Wike to step down from his ministerial position if he wishes to continue intervening in APC affairs.
The exchange further highlights the growing political tension surrounding Rivers State and the controversial role of the FCT minister in the dynamics of the APC at both state and national levels.
