Port Harcourt, Rivers State – January 5, 2026: The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has issued a fiery warning to the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibola Basiru, cautioning him against interfering in Rivers State politics and describing the state as a "no-go area" for external meddlers.
Wike's remarks came during his "thank-you" visit to supporters in Oyigbo Local Government Area on Monday, where he directly responded to recent comments by Basiru defending Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
The exchange highlights escalating tensions within the APC's national leadership and the ongoing political rift in Rivers State between Wike and Governor Fubara, Wike's erstwhile protégé turned rival.
The controversy began when APC South-South National Vice Chairman, Victor Giadom, during Wike's visit to Gokana Local Government Area on December 30, 2025, referred to Fubara as a "so-called governor" and asserted that the governor could not achieve any political success in the state without going through Wike.
In response, Basiru, on January 4, 2026, via a Facebook post, condemned Giadom's language as "unfortunate" and unbecoming of a national officer, emphasizing that the office of governor deserves respect irrespective of political differences or personal animosities. Basiru stressed that elected positions must be accorded dignity, regardless of party affiliations.
Wike, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) but a key ally of President Bola Tinubu, took strong exception to Basiru's intervention. Addressing a large crowd in Oyigbo, the former Rivers governor warned against taking the state's support for Tinubu's 2023 presidential bid for granted.
“Don’t take our support for President Tinubu for granted. You have to be very careful with the statements you make,” Wike said.
He continued: “When Mr. President comes back, when I see the Minister of Blue Economy, I will tell them to tell him: Carry your hand to Rivers State if your hand burns, don’t say na me burn am. I can challenge anybody this state is a no-go area. Go and ask those who have tried it before. You open your mouth to talk about Rivers state, anything you see, take it. Anything you want, take it.
"I can challenge anybody that this state is a no-go area whether you like it or don’t like it. So take the one you have taken. Stop making unnecessary noise.”
Wike also alluded to reports of N600 billion left in the state's coffers, accusing some politicians of now flocking to Rivers for financial gains after staying away during tougher times. “Now, food is ready and everybody is coming, but when it was hot, nobody was saying anything. Leave Rivers state alone,” he added.
The minister urged Giadom to relay the message to Basiru, warning the APC national secretary to steer clear "for his own good."
In a swift rebuttal later on Monday, Basiru fired back, demanding that Wike resign from his ministerial position if he cannot stop meddling in APC affairs. Basiru insisted that Wike, not being a card-carrying APC member, has no locus standi to comment on or influence party matters in Rivers or elsewhere.
“My advice to him is that he should resign as Minister and face his obsession with Rivers politics and the APC,” Basiru stated, dismissing any allegations of personal interest in state funds and reaffirming his role in protecting party interests.
Political analysts describe the public spat as a manifestation of deeper fractures within the APC, particularly in the South-South zone, where Wike's influence remains significant despite his PDP membership. Wike played a pivotal role in Tinubu's 2023 victory by mobilizing support in Rivers, a traditionally PDP stronghold.
The feud underscores the fragility of the peace deal brokered by President Tinubu in late 2023 to resolve the initial Wike-Fubara crisis, which involved control over state structures, assembly leadership, and resource allocation. Although a fragile truce held for much of 2025, recent events suggest renewed hostilities ahead of the 2027 elections.
Observers note that Basiru's defense of gubernatorial dignity aligns with APC's efforts to project unity and respect for institutions, while Wike's aggressive posture reinforces his reputation as a political enforcer unwilling to cede ground in his home state.
Reactions in Rivers have been polarized. Wike's supporters in Oyigbo hailed his stance, with local leaders pledging continued loyalty. Meanwhile, Fubara's allies view Basiru's comments as a subtle endorsement of the governor's authority.
As the verbal volley continues, stakeholders call for restraint to avoid escalating the crisis, which has previously led to legislative impasses and security concerns in the state.
This latest development further complicates APC's strategy in the South-South, where building a stronger foothold has been challenging. With 2027 approaching, alignments in Rivers could significantly impact national politics.
