A fresh political dispute has broken out between the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibola Basiru, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, over Rivers State politics and the internal affairs of the ruling party.
Basiru, in a statement issued on Monday, strongly criticised Wike and asked him to resign from his position as FCT minister if he wants to continue his involvement in Rivers State politics. He accused the former Rivers State governor of being “obsessed” with political developments in the state and of interfering in APC matters without being a member of the party.
According to Basiru, Wike has no authority to comment on APC activities or question the actions of its national officers. He insisted that until Wike formally joins the APC, he has no standing to speak on party issues.
“From my record, he isn’t a member of APC. I don’t see which authority or temerity he has to be dabbling in APC affairs,” Basiru said.
The APC national secretary also rejected claims reportedly made by Wike that his interest in Rivers State politics was linked to the large amount of money available to the state government. Wike had allegedly suggested that Basiru and others were attracted by what he described as about N600 billion in Rivers State’s coffers.
Basiru described the claim as false and insulting, saying his political career has been guided by principles and integrity, not financial interest.
“I take strong exception to his allusion that I am interested in the N600 billion allocations of Rivers State. My records of service are those of integrity and commitment to service,” he said.
The exchange is the latest in the ongoing political tension surrounding Rivers State, one of Nigeria’s most politically active and economically important states. Rivers is a major oil-producing state and has often been at the centre of national political struggles due to its resources, strong political figures, and strategic importance.
Nyesom Wike served as governor of Rivers State from 2015 to 2023 under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Known for his outspoken style and political strength, Wike played a major role in the PDP crisis that followed the party’s presidential primaries ahead of the 2023 general election. Despite being a PDP member, he openly supported the APC presidential candidate, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who later won the election.
After President Tinubu assumed office, Wike was appointed as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, a move that surprised many and further deepened divisions within the PDP. Since then, Wike has remained a powerful figure in Rivers politics, maintaining influence over political structures in the state even after leaving office.
Rivers State has also been facing a political crisis involving the state governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and the state House of Assembly. The crisis has led to divisions among lawmakers and raised concerns about governance and stability in the state. Many observers believe the crisis is linked to a power struggle between Wike and his former allies.
Basiru’s statement touched on these wider issues, accusing Wike of focusing too much on Rivers politics instead of his responsibilities as FCT minister.
“As the National Secretary of the party, my activities aren’t confined to Osun State contrary to his wrong impression. I am the head of the National Secretariat of the APC,” Basiru said.
He stressed that his role as APC national secretary gives him nationwide responsibility, and that he cannot be questioned by someone who is not a member of the party.
“So, he has no locus whatsoever to engage me in any political activity that concerns the APC until he joins the party,” he added.
Basiru also responded to what he described as a veiled threat from Wike. Without giving details, he said he was not afraid of intimidation and that his political history shows he cannot be bullied.
“I am a believer in God, that only God can do something for anybody, no matter how highly placed,” he said.
He went on to remind Nigerians of his past role in the struggle against military rule, saying this experience shaped his courage and commitment to democracy.
“I am one of the young Nigerians that confronted military dictatorship. I can’t be bullied by anybody, no matter how highly placed,” Basiru stated.
The APC national secretary maintained that his conduct since assuming office has been transparent and proper, and that his record cannot be questioned by someone outside the party.
“My records as national secretary are above board, and I can’t be queried by somebody who isn’t a member of APC,” he said.
Basiru ended his statement with a direct message to Wike, advising him to step down from his ministerial position if he wants to continue playing an active role in Rivers State politics.
“Finally, my advice to him is that he should resign as Minister and face his obsession with Rivers politics,” he said.
The clash highlights the complex political alliances that have emerged since the 2023 elections. While the APC controls the federal government, figures like Wike, who are not formally members of the party but work closely with it, continue to raise questions about party loyalty and internal discipline.
Within the APC, there are also concerns about how much influence non-members should have in party affairs, especially in sensitive states like Rivers. Party leaders have repeatedly said that the APC must protect its structure and ensure that only registered members speak on its behalf.
For Wike, his position as FCT minister places him at the centre of national governance, overseeing Abuja, the seat of power. Critics argue that his continued involvement in Rivers politics distracts from his federal duties, while supporters say he has a right to remain politically active.
As the political situation in Rivers State continues to evolve, the exchange between Basiru and Wike is likely to add to the tension and draw further attention to the state’s crisis. It also reflects the broader struggle for control, influence, and direction within Nigeria’s political space.