The internal rift within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) deepened Monday as National Secretary Senator Ajibola Basiru issued a stern warning to Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike, accusing him of attempts to destabilize the party and urging him to resign from President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet if he cannot desist from interfering in APC affairs.
Basiru, in a strongly worded statement from Abuja, said Wike’s tirade against him was unwarranted, stressing that governors remain the leaders of the party in their states and must be accorded respect.
He described Wike’s alleged meddling as incompatible with his role in an APC-led government, insisting: “He cannot be in the Federal Executive Council of an APC Government and be causing confusion within any organ or structure of the Party.”
Earlier in Rivers State, Wike had cautioned Basiru to steer clear of local politics, declaring the state a “no-go area” for interference.
During a thank-you visit to Oyigbo LGA, Wike alleged that political actors were exploiting the ₦600 billion reportedly left in the state’s coffers and warned APC leaders against reckless statements.
“Take this message to your National Secretary, leave Rivers State alone. Don’t take our support for Mr President for granted. Anything you see, take it,” Wike said, hinting at consequences for those who ignore his warning.
Basiru’s Counter
Basiru dismissed Wike’s claims as “cheap blackmail”, challenging him to prove allegations of APC leaders scrambling for Rivers funds.
He emphasised his integrity and vowed not to be intimidated: “My faith is in God and will not succumb to cheap threats such as the one from Wike.”
He further argued that Wike’s support for President Tinubu does not equate to APC membership:
“Millions of non-APC Nigerians also support Mr President and his own is no different. His attempt to destabilize our Party in Rivers State will not be tolerated.”
The clash follows remarks by APC Vice Chairman (South-South) Victor Giadom, who referred to Governor Siminalayi Fubara as “the so-called Governor”.
Basiru had condemned the statement, insisting that the office of governor must be respected regardless of political differences.
The escalating war of words highlights tensions between APC’s national leadership and Wike, a former PDP governor now serving in Tinubu’s cabinet, whose influence in Rivers politics remains undeniable.
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