A coalition of All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders has called for the immediate removal of Nyesom Wike as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), citing alleged insubordination, anti-party activities, and threats to national unity.
The demand was contained in a strongly worded open letter dated January 7, 2026, addressed to President Bola Tinubu through the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda.
The coalition, operating under the aegis of the APC Leaders Forum (ALF) and the Tinubu/Shettima Solidarity Movement (TSSM), made the letter public on Wednesday during a peaceful rally at the APC National Secretariat in Abuja. The groups described the move as a “necessary step” to defend party integrity and the administration’s “Renewed Hope Agenda.”
Allegations of Misconduct
The letter, signed by Dr. Emeka Okoro, Dr. Adekunle Balogun, Ibrahim Yusuf, and Abdulkareem Isiaka, warned that Wike’s continued presence in the cabinet poses a risk to party unity and national stability.
Central to their grievances is the allegation that Wike—who remains a member of the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) while serving in the APC-led cabinet—has launched sustained attacks on the APC’s national leadership.
The signatories specifically cited remarks reportedly made by the Minister on January 5 during a visit to Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers State. Wike allegedly accused the APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, of interfering in Rivers politics for personal gain, warning that meddlers would “get their fingers burnt.”
“These comments amount to naked intimidation and a direct insult to the APC National Working Committee,” the letter stated. “Such statements undermine the authority of the party leadership and violate the discipline expected of a serving minister.”
Conflict in Rivers State
The coalition further accused Wike of political sabotage in Rivers State, alleging that he has persistently worked to undermine Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
“Wike’s ongoing vendetta against Governor Siminalayi Fubara is nothing short of political sabotage,” the coalition wrote. “He has repeatedly mocked the Governor’s leadership, called his emergence a ‘mistake’ to be corrected in 2027, and accused him of betrayal. These attacks have escalated into a campaign to incite division and undermine a sitting administration.”
The groups argued that such conduct weakens the APC’s foothold in the strategically vital Niger Delta region, questioning how the party can trust a minister who “actively works against our interests while enjoying the privileges of the administration.”
Threats to National Security
Beyond party politics, the leaders expressed alarm over Wike’s recent rhetoric regarding state security. They pointed to comments suggesting that “nobody can enter Rivers State,” interpreting this as an attempt to declare the state a “no-go area” for political opponents.
“Any suggestion of restricting access to a Nigerian state is an affront to the President’s authority as Commander-in-Chief,” the group noted, warning that such rhetoric could embolden lawlessness in the region.
The coalition also criticized Wike for allegedly boasting of controlling two political parties simultaneously, describing it as a “gross conflict of interest” and a violation of political ethics.
Warning of a looming crisis ahead of the 2027 general elections, the ALF and TSSM urged President Tinubu to act decisively to demonstrate that no individual is above the party or the law.
The groups announced plans to escalate their protests nationwide, vowing to mobilize rallies across the 36 states until the Minister is relieved of his appointment. Despite their grievances with the Minister, the signatories reaffirmed their “unwavering support” for President Tinubu’s leadership and his projected re-election bid.
