The All Progressives Congress (APC) has issued a stern warning to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to desist from interfering in its internal party matters. The party's Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, delivered this message during a recent television interview, firmly stating that Wike, not being a card-carrying member of the ruling party, has no right to meddle in its activities.
APC Spokesman Accuses Wike of Being a 'Busybody'
Speaking on Trust TV on January 7, 2026, Bala Ibrahim did not mince words in his criticism of the FCT Minister. He accused Wike of 'mixing right and wrong' and labeled his actions as those of a 'busybody'. Ibrahim, a seasoned party official, emphasized that in legal terms, anyone who meddles in affairs that do not concern them is considered a busybody, a point he stressed despite acknowledging Wike's background as a lawyer.
'Hon. Minister Wike is mixing right and wrong. He doesn’t know what it means to be called busybody in law. He’s a lawyer and anybody that meddles into affairs that don’t belong to him is a busy body,' Ibrahim stated unequivocally during the broadcast.
Membership Dispute and a Clear Ultimatum
The core of the APC's grievance hinges on Wike's political affiliation. Bala Ibrahim was categorical in asserting that Nyesom Wike is not a member of the APC. He clarified that the minister's repeated declarations of support for President Bola Tinubu do not translate to membership or grant him any authority within the party structure.
Ibrahim presented a clear path forward for the minister, issuing what sounded like an ultimatum. He declared that Wike's 'wings will be cut' unless he regularizes his status. 'The right thing is to resign membership of whatever political party he belongs to, and come into the APC,' the APC spokesman advised. He suggested that Wike technically remains with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), but noted that the legitimacy of his membership is a matter for the opposition party to resolve.
Distinguishing Support for Tinubu from Service to APC
Addressing the perception that Wike has been collaborating with the APC, particularly in actions seen as weakening the PDP, Ibrahim drew a sharp distinction. He acknowledged hearing Wike voice support for President Tinubu multiple times, both before and after the election. However, he was quick to separate support for the individual from service to the party.
'If he’s working for the singular progress of the president, he’s not working for the progress of the APC. He’s working for the success of the president — and there is a difference between working for the progress of the president, the presidency and the party where the president belongs,' Ibrahim explained. This statement underscores the party's attempt to delineate boundaries and assert its institutional independence from the influence of a powerful non-member.
The public warning from a top APC official highlights the ongoing political tensions surrounding Nyesom Wike, who has maintained a influential yet ambiguous role since his fallout with the PDP leadership in his home state of Rivers. The remarks also come amid reported pressure on President Tinubu to consider removing the FCT Minister from his cabinet, adding another layer of complexity to the unfolding political drama.
