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.
