The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has warned the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ajibola Basiru, to stay away from the internal politics of Rivers State, accusing him of being interested only in the state’s resources.
Wike issued the warning on Monday during his ongoing thank-you tour of the 23 local government areas of Rivers State.
Reacting swiftly, Basiru accused the FCT minister of attempting to destabilise the APC and called on him to resign from President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet if he could not refrain from interfering in the party’s affairs.
Wike warns APC leadership
Speaking in Oyingbo Local Government Area, Wike boasted of his political influence, claiming he could control two political parties.
“Any state that can do this should come forward,” he said.
He warned APC leaders against meddling in Rivers State politics, alleging that some were attracted by reports of a ₦600 billion inflow into the state.
“Because you have heard of ₦600 billion, you come here, you collect and you open your mouth to talk anyhow,” Wike said.
He cautioned the APC chairman in Rivers State, Tony Okocha, to advise the party’s national leadership to steer clear of the state.
“Tell your National Secretary to leave Rivers State alone. Go and ask those who had tried it before,” he added.
Wike also warned APC leaders not to take Rivers State’s support for President Tinubu for granted, urging them to be careful with their public statements.
“You open your mouth to talk about Rivers State, anything you see, you take it,” he said.
Background to the dispute
The exchange follows a visit by Basiru and other APC leaders to Government House in Port Harcourt about two weeks ago, where they publicly endorsed Governor Siminalayi Fubara for a second term.
During the visit, the delegation praised Fubara’s performance and assured him of President Tinubu’s support for peace and stability in Rivers State.
Basiru also criticised comments attributed to the APC South-South zonal deputy national chairman, Victor Giadom, who referred to Governor Fubara as a “so-called” governor at a political event reportedly sponsored by Wike.
Giadom is a known political ally of the FCT minister.
Basiru insisted that political differences could not justify undermining the legitimacy of an elected governor.
“The office of the governor is an exalted position, and whoever is occupying it must be respected,” he said.
Basiru fires back
In a statement issued on Monday, Basiru said it was inappropriate for Wike to remain a minister in an APC-led government while allegedly fomenting division within the party.
“He cannot be in the Federal Executive Council of an APC government and be causing confusion within the party,” Basiru said, adding that the “honourable thing” for Wike to do was to resign.
He further argued that Wike lacked the standing to interfere in APC affairs, noting that the minister is not a member of the party.
“Our records indicate that Minister Nyesom Wike is not a member of the APC, so he lacks the locus to dabble into the affairs of our party,” Basiru said.
Responding to Wike’s allegation that APC leaders were scrambling for a ₦600 billion largesse in Rivers State, Basiru dismissed the claim as baseless.
“This is nothing but cheap blackmail which has become his stock-in-trade,” he said.
Basiru defended his integrity and challenged Wike to substantiate the allegation, warning that the matter could end up in court.
He also rejected what he described as veiled threats from the FCT minister.
“He is not God and may be overplaying his political card,” Basiru said, adding that he would not be intimidated.
Drawing on political timelines, public records and past party statements reviewed through media archives and event tracking tools, the dispute reflects deepening tensions within the APC over influence in Rivers State ahead of future electoral contests.
Basiru concluded by stating that he had a long history in Nigeria’s pro-democracy struggle, insisting he would continue to speak out despite pressure.
