APC Tells Wike to Quit Ministerial Post, Focus on Rivers Politics

The National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ajibola Basiru, has challenged the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to resign from his ministerial position and stop meddling in Rivers State politics.

Basiru, in a statement personally signed on Monday, dismissed Wike’s warning over his alleged involvement in the politics of Rivers State, describing it as unfounded. He stressed that Wike, who is not a member of the APC, lacks the authority to interfere in the ruling party’s affairs.

“My advice to him is that he should resign as Minister and face his obsession with Rivers politics,” Basiru said. He added that as the national secretary, he has the mandate to oversee APC activities across the country and cannot be intimidated.

Basiru also directed a warning to the South-South APC Chairman, Victor Giadom, urging him to refrain from making derogatory comments about Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara or any other governor, emphasizing that members of the National Working Committee (NWC) must remain neutral in political disputes.

Wike, during a “thank-you” visit to Oyigbo Local Government Area, had cautioned Basiru against interfering in the state, alleging that some officials were misusing the N600 billion allocation. He stated, “Take this message to your National Secretary. Leave Rivers State alone. Please don’t take our support for Mr President for granted.”

Reacting to Wike’s comments, Basiru denied any interest in the state’s funds, describing the claims as baseless. “I take strong exceptions to his allusion that I am interested in the N600 billion allocations of Rivers State. My record reflects integrity and commitment to service. I cannot be bullied by anyone, no matter how highly placed,” he said.

Basiru further reaffirmed that his activities as APC National Secretary are nationwide, not confined to any state, and that Wike has no locus to question his actions within the party.