Quit Cabinet, Face Rivers Politics Head-On, Basiru Tells Wike

The National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ajibola Basiru, has challenged the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to step down from his ministerial role and concentrate fully on political matters in Rivers State.

Basiru said he was not intimidated by what he described as indirect threats from Wike, stressing that his political history had equipped him to withstand pressure and intimidation.

In a recent interview, the APC scribe openly expressed support for Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, amid the lingering political tension between the governor and the former Rivers governor. He also cautioned the APC’s South-South Vice Chairman, Victor Giadom, against making disparaging comments about Fubara or any sitting governor, insisting that members of the party’s National Working Committee must remain neutral in internal political disputes.

Wike, however, reacted during a “thank-you” visit to Oyigbo Local Government Area, warning Basiru to stay away from Rivers politics. The FCT minister alleged that some political actors were drawn to the state because of its financial strength and cautioned the APC leadership against taking the state’s support for President Bola Tinubu for granted.

Responding in a personally signed statement, Basiru dismissed Wike’s remarks, insisting that the minister had no authority to interfere in the affairs of the ruling party, noting that Wike was not a member of the APC.

“My advice to him is simple: he should resign as minister and focus fully on his fixation with Rivers politics,” Basiru said.

He further emphasized that, as APC National Secretary, his responsibilities extend across the country and are not limited to any single state. According to him, Wike had no legal or moral standing to question his political engagements within the party.

Basiru also rejected claims that he was interested in Rivers State’s financial allocations, describing the allegation as false and inconsistent with his record in public service.

He maintained that his career had been defined by integrity and principled positions, adding that he could not be intimidated by political office holders, regardless of their status. He concluded that his conduct as APC National Secretary was transparent and that he could not be held accountable by someone who does not belong to the party.