Ajibola Basiru, APC National Chairman to Wike: You’re Not APC, Kindly Resign With Immediate Effect

Ajibola Basiru, The National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator has issued a strong call for the resignation of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, accusing him of gross interference in the internal affairs of the ruling party. Basiru’s demand follows a heated political exchange triggered by Wike’s public warning for him to “leave Rivers State alone,” a statement that has now escalated into a full-blown political confrontation at the national level.

Basiru, in a detailed statement released in Osogbo, Osun State, described Wike’s remarks as unbecoming of a serving member of the Federal Executive Council. He insisted that his initial comments were rooted in party principles, stressing that sitting governors—regardless of political disagreements—remain the recognized leaders of the party in their respective states. According to Basiru, this principle applies fully to Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and defending it cannot be misconstrued as political meddling.

The APC scribe further argued that Wike’s reaction exposed a deeper issue of overreach, asserting that no individual outside the party’s formal structure has the authority to dictate how the APC conducts its internal affairs. He maintained that as National Secretary, his responsibilities are national in scope and cannot be limited to Osun State alone, adding that safeguarding party unity and structure remains his constitutional duty within the APC.

Wike’s Rivers State Warning Sparks National Political Fallout

The controversy was ignited earlier when Minister Nyesom Wike, during a thank-you visit to supporters in Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers State, issued a stern warning to Senator Basiru and other perceived external actors. Wike declared Rivers State a “no-go area” for political interference, warning that those who attempt to meddle in its affairs risk severe political consequences, which he described metaphorically as “burning their hands.”

Wike also cautioned against taking his political support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for granted, suggesting that loyalty should not be mistaken for weakness. In a particularly controversial remark, the FCT Minister alleged that some APC leaders were scrambling for an alleged N600 billion “largesse” in Rivers State, a claim that has since drawn sharp condemnation from the party’s national leadership.

These statements quickly reverberated across Nigeria’s political landscape, fueling debates about party loyalty, cross-party influence, and the limits of ministerial power. Analysts note that Wike’s unique political position—being a PDP stalwart serving in an APC-led government—has continued to generate tension, especially in politically sensitive states like Rivers, where control and influence remain fiercely contested.

APC National Secretary Rejects Allegations, Threats, and PDP Influence

In his response, Senator Basiru categorically dismissed Wike’s allegations of financial inducements as “cheap blackmail,” challenging the FCT Minister to provide evidence or face legal action. He emphasized his long-standing reputation for integrity and democratic activism, reminding Nigerians of his role in the pro-democracy struggle during the military era, long before Wike became prominent in national politics.

Basiru also rejected what he described as veiled threats from Wike, stating that political intimidation would not deter him from performing his constitutional duties. He declared that his faith and commitment to democratic values remain unshaken, adding that no individual, regardless of influence, holds divine authority over Nigeria’s political space.

The APC National Secretary made his strongest assertion yet, insisting that Wike’s continued presence in the Federal Executive Council while allegedly destabilizing APC structures is untenable. He argued that supporting President Tinubu does not equate to APC membership, noting that millions of Nigerians outside the party also back the President.

Basiru warned that the APC would not tolerate the importation of “PDP-style politics” into its ranks and stated unequivocally that the honorable option for Wike, under the circumstances, is to resign as FCT Minister.