POLITICS
APC National Secretary, Basiru, Asks Wike to Resign as FCT Minister Over Alleged Interference in Party Affairs
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 resign from his cabinet position over what he described as undue interference in the internal affairs of the ruling party.
Basiru’s demand followed a stern warning issued by Wike earlier on Tuesday, in which the former Rivers State governor cautioned the APC scribe to “leave Rivers State alone” and desist from meddling in the state’s political affairs.
Wike, who spoke during a thank-you visit to supporters in Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers State, declared the state a “no-go area” for external political interference. He accused some APC leaders of scrambling for an alleged N600 billion “largesse” in the state and warned that those interfering could “burn their hands,” citing past political consequences. He also cautioned against taking his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for granted.
Reacting in a statement issued in Osogbo, Osun State, Basiru described Wike’s comments as a “tirade” and “uncouth,” insisting that his own position was based on principle and respect for party structures.
Basiru explained that his comments merely emphasized that sitting governors, regardless of political differences, remain leaders of the party in their respective states, including Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
“For the avoidance of doubt, our records indicate that Minister Nyesom Wike is not a member of our party, the APC, and therefore lacks the locus to dabble into the affairs of our party,” Basiru stated.
He added that as APC National Secretary, he has a constitutional responsibility to protect the interests of the party and its members nationwide, stressing that his duties are not limited to his home state of Osun.
Basiru also dismissed Wike’s allegation that he and other APC leaders were scrambling for N600 billion in Rivers State, describing it as “cheap blackmail.”
“My background and track record are of unquestionable integrity. I challenge him to prove his allegations or we may meet in court,” he said.
Responding to what he termed veiled threats from the FCT Minister, Basiru stated that Wike was “not God” and might be overplaying his political influence. He noted that he had been active in the pro-democracy struggle during the military era, long before Wike became politically prominent.
Basiru further emphasized that Wike’s support for President Tinubu does not automatically confer APC membership on him, noting that millions of non-party members also support the President.
“His attempt to destabilise our party in Rivers State will not be tolerated, and he cannot import the spirit of the PDP into the APC,” Basiru warned.
He concluded by advising Wike to resign honorably if he intends to continue influencing party affairs while serving in an APC-led federal government.
“The honourable thing to do is to resign his appointment as Minister,” Basiru stated.
The Nigeria Democratic Congress has fixed October 20 for the inauguration of its Presidential Campaign Council ahead of the 2027 general elections, with its national chairman, Senator Moses Cleopas, insisting that the party remains united behind its presidential ticket.
Cleopas disclosed this on Saturday at a press briefing in Abuja, saying the inauguration would take place during a meeting of the party’s National Executive Committee, where key decisions on its preparations for the elections would also be ratified.
He said the party would present Certificates of Return to its candidates and hold a dinner to strengthen cooperation ahead of the polls.
He said, “The propaganda that our party is not committed to the elections is definitely a sign of fear in the camp of the ruling party.
“In preparation for full campaign takeoff, we have proposed a meeting of the National Executive Committee of the party on October 20.
“It is at that NEC meeting that we will officially inaugurate the NDC Presidential Campaign Council and ratify certain key decisions related to the 2027 General Election.”
The chairman said the party was prioritising the composition of the council to ensure that members were suitable for the responsibilities they would be given.
“It is better to get it right. It is a sensitive election that we are going into. And we must check characters,” he said.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State has put to rest speculation over its governorship ticket, with the state Chairman, Hon. Chijioke Chukwu, reaffirming Eric Opah as the party’s candidate for the 2027 general election.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with FLO 94.9 FM, Chukwu declared that all controversies surrounding the party’s primaries have been resolved, and the results announced by the primary election committee — and subsequently ratified by the APC National Working Committee — remain valid and binding.
“The results of the primaries as announced by the primary election committee and ratified by the National Working Committee stand,” Chukwu said. He stressed that Eric Opah is the authentic governorship candidate of the APC in Abia State.
The chairman called on all party members to bury their differences and close ranks in order to build a formidable APC ahead of the 2027 polls.
In the same interview, Chukwu also confirmed that Hon. Erondu Uchenna will be the party’s candidate for the Abia South Senatorial District seat in the upcoming elections.
The National Publicity Secretary of the African Democratic Congress, Bolaji Abdullahi, has alleged that Justice Peter Lifu acted in contempt of court by issuing a judgment that deregistered the ADC and four other political parties despite a pending appeal.
According to Abdullahi, the Court of Appeal had directed that no action should be taken on the matter until the appeal is heard on October 27. He argued that proceeding with the judgment before the appellate court’s determination amounts to a disregard for the court’s directive.
“Justice Peter Lifu, the judge who gave the judgment that deregistered the ADC and four other parties, should be arrested. The Appeal Court said don’t act until the case is heard on October 27. He’s acting in contempt of court,” Abdullahi stated.
The remarks add a new dimension to the legal and political controversy surrounding the status of the affected political parties, with the matter expected to be further addressed when the appeal comes up for hearing.
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