Abuja, January 6, 2026 — The National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibola Basiru, has urged Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), to resign from President Bola Tinubu's cabinet and concentrate on what he termed Wike's "obsession" with Rivers State politics, amid a sharp exchange of words that has exposed underlying tensions within the ruling party.
In a personally signed statement issued on Monday, January 5, 2026, Basiru asserted that Wike, who remains a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), lacks the locus standi to interfere in APC affairs. "For the avoidance of doubt, our records indicate that Minister Nyesom Wike is not a member of our Party (APC), so he lacks the locus to dabble into the affairs of our Party," Basiru stated. He emphasized that his role as National Secretary mandates him to protect the party's interests nationwide, not confined to his home state of Osun.
Basiru dismissed what he described as "veiled threats" and "uncouth responses" from Wike, declaring, "I am one of the young Nigerians that confronted military dictatorship. I can’t be bullied by anybody, no matter how highly placed." He further rejected allegations that he or APC leaders were motivated by access to an alleged ₦600 billion in Rivers State funds, calling such claims "cheap blackmail" inconsistent with his record of integrity.
The APC scribe advised Wike: "My advice to him is that he should resign as Minister and face his obsession with Rivers politics." He warned that Wike "cannot be in the Federal Executive Council of an APC Government and be causing confusion within any organ or structure of the Party at any level, using the leverage of that same office." Basiru also reminded Wike that public support for President Tinubu does not confer APC membership, noting that "millions of non-APC Nigerians also support Mr. President."
The clash escalated hours earlier during Wike's "thank-you" visit to Oyigbo Local Government Area in Rivers State, where the minister warned Basiru to "leave Rivers State alone" and steer clear of its politics. Wike cautioned against "careless and provocative statements," stating, "Let me warn those who come to Rivers State… take this message to your National Secretary, leave Rivers State alone… If your hand burns, no be me burn am." He threatened to bring the matter to President Tinubu's attention and described Rivers as a "no-go area" for external meddling.
Wike's outburst followed Basiru's criticism of APC South-South Vice Chairman Victor Giadom, who had referred to Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara as the "so-called governor" during a December 30, 2025, event in Gokana LGA. Basiru condemned the remark as "unfortunate," arguing that the office of governor deserves respect regardless of political differences.
This public spat highlights deepening fissures in Rivers State politics, where Wike, despite his PDP affiliation and key role in Tinubu's 2023 election victory, wields significant influence over a faction of the APC. Recent mass defections, including Governor Fubara and most lawmakers to the APC in late 2025, have intensified power struggles, with the national APC leadership appearing to align more closely with Fubara.
Analysts note that Basiru's recent visit to Port Harcourt, where APC national executives endorsed Fubara for a second term, likely irked Wike's camp. The exchange underscores challenges for the APC in maintaining unity in the oil-rich state ahead of future elections.
Wike, a former Rivers governor (2015-2023), has maintained strong grassroots mobilization through ongoing tours, thanking supporters for past electoral backing. However, his continued involvement in state affairs while serving as FCT minister has drawn scrutiny over potential conflicts of interest.
Basiru, a former Senate spokesman and Osun State lawmaker, has positioned himself as a defender of party discipline, cautioning against importing "the spirit of PDP" into the APC.
As the ruling party navigates these internal dynamics, observers say President Tinubu may need to intervene to prevent further escalation, especially given Wike's pivotal role in the administration. The row also reflects broader tensions between national party structures and influential appointees not formally aligned with the APC.
This development comes amid Nigeria's ongoing political realignments, with Rivers State remaining a key battleground due to its economic significance and history of high-stakes rivalries.
