In a significant political development, the national secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ajibola Basiru, has launched a scathing critique against the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike. Basiru has called for Wike's resignation from President Bola Tinubu's cabinet, urging him to channel his energies towards the political turbulence in Rivers State, his home turf.
APC Chieftain's Stern Warning to Wike
The former senator, in a statement dated January 5, 2026, made it clear he was unshaken by what he perceived as threats from the former Rivers governor. Basiru asserted that his political experience had adequately prepared him for any challenges. He emphasized that Wike, who is not a member of the APC, lacks the authority to interfere in the ruling party's internal affairs.
This confrontation was triggered by Wike's earlier warning, delivered during a thank-you visit to Oyigbo Local Government Area in Rivers, where he advised Basiru to steer clear of the state's politics. Basiru's retort was swift and direct, questioning Wike's locus standi in APC matters.
Unwavering Support for Governor Fubara
Central to Basiru's statement was a firm declaration of support for Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara. This public backing comes amidst the ongoing and very public rift between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Minister Wike. Basiru cautioned Victor Giadom, the APC's South-South Chairman, against making derogatory remarks about Governor Fubara or any other sitting governor.
He further advised members of the party's National Working Committee (NWC) against taking sides in any political crisis, underscoring the need for the party's leadership to remain impartial.
Public Reactions and Political Betrayal
The exchange has ignited a flurry of reactions from Nigerians, highlighting the complex and often treacherous nature of the country's political landscape. Many see the situation as a classic game of betrayal and shifting alliances.
One social media user, Opeyemi Quadri, framed it as a strategic battle: "Fubara has taken a step ahead of his former boss, Wike. How he consolidates on these little gains will determine who the leader of the APC in Rivers really is. It's a game of betrayal; whoever fights dirtier wins the game."
Another commentator, Edo N'uzomo, warned Basiru to focus on his party's front, referencing Wike's collaboration with Senator Magnus Abe for President Tinubu's 2027 ambitions. The cryptic comment, "He may not be in the room, but clearly he’s on the table," from a user named The Old Protege, suggested Wike's influence persists despite his formal party affiliation.
User Pato Pato predicted a looming backlash within the APC against Wike, stating, "Don't worry. APC will collect, too. This is just the beginning. Very soon, APC data boys will start telling Wike how they truly feel about him while pretending in the last 2 and a half years to like him."
This incident underscores the evolving and volatile dynamics within the APC in Rivers State, as the party navigates the fallout from the intense rivalry between the current governor and a powerful former governor who now serves in the federal government.
