By Muhammad Mamman
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is embroiled in a public spat after its National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, called on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to resign, accusing him of meddling in the party’s internal affairs.
The clash follows a warning from Wike, who had earlier told Basiru to “leave Rivers State alone” during a visit to supporters in Oyigbo Local Government Area. Wike described Rivers as a “no-go area” for external interference, cautioned against taking his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for granted, and alleged some APC leaders were seeking alleged N600 billion “largesse” in the state. He also hinted at political consequences for those who meddle, referencing past events.
In response, Basiru, speaking from Osogbo, Osun State, described Wike’s remarks as a “tirade” and “uncouth,” insisting they were provoked by his defence of governors’ respect within the party, including Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, irrespective of political differences.
“My attention has been drawn to the tirade of the Minister of the FCT against my person and my office as the National Secretary of the APC,” Basiru said in a statement. “It is shocking that such an innocuous statement can elicit such uncouth responses from no less than a member of the Federal Executive Council.”
Basiru insisted that Wike, a member of the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP), has no authority to interfere in APC affairs. He rejected Wike’s claims of a scramble for N600 billion, describing them as “cheap blackmail,” and challenged the minister to substantiate the allegations or face legal action.
He added: “The honourable thing to do is to resign his appointment as Minister. He cannot be in the Federal Executive Council of an APC government and be causing confusion within any organ or structure of the Party at any level, using the leverage of that same office.”
The confrontation highlights growing tensions between APC officials and opposition figures within the ruling party’s sphere of influence, raising questions about the boundaries of political engagement and loyalty in Nigeria’s complex party politics.
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