By Muhammad Mamman
Nigeria’s former governor of Rivers State and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has issued a stern warning to the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, amid rising tensions within the party’s political structure in Rivers State.
Speaking during a public event in Port Harcourt, Wike declared that he would not hesitate to confront any political figure—regardless of their position—who attempts to interfere in the state’s political affairs.
“I can challenge anybody, including the President,” Wike said in a fiery statement directed at the party’s state chairman, Tony Okocha. “Tony Okocha, take this message to your National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru. Tell him to stay clear of Rivers. If he tries me, his hands will burn.”
The remarks come as Rivers State continues to grapple with internal political divisions, power struggles, and competing loyalties between factions aligned with Wike and those supporting other federal and state actors.
While Wike did not provide specific details regarding the source of his dispute with the APC National Secretary, his comments suggest deepening rifts within the party’s leadership hierarchy.
There has been no immediate response from Senator Basiru or the national leadership of the APC regarding Wike’s warning.
Political analysts say the latest outburst reflects the volatile political climate in Rivers, a state long known for intense political rivalry and strategic importance in national politics.
As tensions rise, stakeholders are watching closely to see whether the APC’s national leadership will attempt to intervene or adopt a wait-and-see approach in the unfolding political showdown.
