Leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), under the banners of the APC Leaders Forum (ALF) and the Tinubu/Shettima Solidarity Movement (TSSM), staged a protest rally in Abuja on Wednesday, demanding the immediate sack of Nyesom Wike as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
In an open letter and press statement addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and delivered through APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, the groups accused Wike of insubordination, sustained attacks on party leadership, and actions they claim threaten national unity.
Speaking to journalists during the peaceful rally, APC leaders said their demonstration was motivated by concern for the ruling party’s stability, national security, and the protection of democratic principles. They affirmed their loyalty to President Tinubu and his Renewed Hope Agenda.
The groups labeled Wike’s conduct as “grave misconduct” that undermines party unity and challenges the authority of the President. They further alleged that his behavior represents a direct assault on APC leadership and risks destabilizing Rivers State and the wider Niger Delta region.
The protesters accused the FCT minister of launching “unprovoked and hostile attacks” on APC National Secretary Senator Ajibola Basiru. Despite not being a registered party member, Wike reportedly criticized Basiru during a January 5 visit to Oyigbo Local Government Area, accusing him of meddling in Rivers State politics and warning that those involved would “get their fingers burnt.”
Such remarks, according to the groups, constituted an insult to the party’s national leadership and a direct affront to the APC National Working Committee.
Additionally, the rally leaders condemned Wike’s ongoing attacks on Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, accusing him of mocking the governor’s leadership, branding his emergence a mistake, and signaling intentions to reverse it in 2027. They described these actions as anti-party conduct that could weaken APC’s political standing in Rivers State.
The groups expressed further alarm at reports of Wike’s declaration that “nobody can enter Rivers State,” describing this as a direct challenge to the President’s authority as Commander-in-Chief. They warned that such statements risk inflaming tensions and rekindling memories of past unrest in the Niger Delta.
The leaders vowed to sustain nationwide protests if their demand for Wike’s removal is ignored. Demonstrations, they said, would continue across states and local governments until the minister is dismissed. They insisted their actions are in defense of party discipline, national unity, and the President’s leadership.
The APC Leaders Forum and Tinubu/Shettima Solidarity Movement also expressed solidarity with Governor Fubara, Senator Basiru, and APC National Chairman Prof. Yilwatda. They urged President Tinubu to act promptly, emphasizing that removing Wike would send a clear message: no individual is bigger than the party or the nation.
The statement was jointly signed by Chief Dr. Emeka Okoro, Dr. Adekunle Balogun, Alhaji Ibrahim Yusuf, and Mallam Abdulkareem Isiaka, who reiterated their loyalty to President Tinubu and commitment to advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda.
