ABUJA, Jan. 6, 2026 (Naija247news) – The All Progressives Congress (APC) National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, has responded sharply to Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, calling on him to resign from his ministerial position and concentrate on what Basiru described as Wike’s obsession with Rivers State politics.
Basiru’s rebuttal
Basiru, in a statement personally signed on Monday, insisted that Wike lacks the authority to interfere in the affairs of the APC, highlighting that the minister is not a member of the party. “My advice to him is that he should resign as Minister and face his obsession with Rivers politics,” Basiru said. He added that, contrary to Wike’s impression, his mandate as national secretary allows him to oversee APC affairs nationwide, not just in Osun State.
He further dismissed claims linking him to alleged interest in Rivers State allocations of N600 billion, calling the allegations baseless and inconsistent with his personal record of service. “I take strong exceptions to his allusion that I am interested in the N600 billion allocations of Rivers State. My records of service are those of integrity and commitment to service. I am not an opportunist and I have never shied away from taking principled positions on any matter,” he said.
Context of the feud
The tensions emerged following Wike’s visit to Oyigbo Local Government Area in Rivers State on Monday, where he warned Basiru to refrain from meddling in the state’s politics. Wike stated: “Let me warn those who come to Rivers State… take this message to your National Secretary, leave Rivers State alone… Please don’t take our support for Mr President for granted.”
Basiru, a former member of Nigeria’s House of Representatives and a seasoned party operative, insisted that Wike’s warnings were veiled threats and that his political experience prepared him to withstand intimidation. He also cautioned the South-South Chairman of the APC, Victor Giadom, against making derogatory remarks about Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara or any other governor, stressing that party officials must remain neutral in internal disputes.
Party authority and integrity
Basiru emphasised his role as the head of the APC National Secretariat, asserting that Wike has no locus to comment on his activities or party affairs until he formally joins the APC. “I am the National Secretary of APC and I don’t see any basis for him to be making comments about my activities either in Rivers State or in any part of Nigeria,” he said.
The APC scribe also highlighted his record as a young Nigerian who actively opposed military dictatorship, stating that his integrity and principled positions cannot be undermined by threats or political pressure.
Joshua Chinonye ✔
Joshua Chinonye is the Energy Editor at Naija247news, covering Nigeria’s oil, gas, and power sectors. He reports on energy policy, market trends, and sustainability with a focus on informing public discourse and decision-makers.
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