The National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibola Basiru, has called on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to immediately resign his ministerial position, accusing him of meddling in the party’s internal affairs in Rivers State.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Monday January 5, 2026 Senator Basiru expressed shock at what he described as Wike’s “tirade” against him, triggered by his earlier remark that APC National Working Committee (NWC) members must respect sitting governors as party leaders in their states.
Senator Basiru insisted that the party records confirms that Wike is not an APC member, despite his support for President Bola Tinubu, and thus lacks the standing to interfere in the ruling party’s matters.
“Minister Nyesom Wike is not a member of our Party (APC) so he lacks the locus to dabble into the affairs of our Party,” he stated.
The APC scribe dismissed Wike’s alleged reference to a N600 billion “largesse” in Rivers State, which supposedly attracts APC leaders, as “cheap blackmail.”
He challenged the minister to substantiate the claim or face legal action, emphasising his own record of integrity.
Basiru also rejected what he called veiled threats from Wike, reminding him of his own history in the pro-democracy struggle against military rule. “Let me remind Wike that he is not God and may be overplaying his political card,” he said.
Also see: Group Says Wike’s Political Influence Is No Longer Relevant
Highlighting the incompatibility of Wike’s actions, Basiru argued that the minister cannot serve in an APC-led Federal Executive Council while allegedly destabilising the party.
“He cannot be in the Federal Executive Council of an APC Government and be causing confusion within any organ or structure of the Party. The honourable thing to do is to resign his appointment as Minister,” he advised.
The exchange escalates ongoing tensions in Rivers politics, where Wike, a PDP chieftain, continues to wield influence despite Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s recent defection to the APC.
Earlier on Monday, Wike had warned Basiru to steer clear of Rivers affairs.
