A political controversy has emerged in Rivers State after Bashir Ahmad, former presidential media aide to President Bola Tinubu, warned the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, against bringing what he described as the “spirit” of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) into the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The warning came amid a war of words between Wike and APC’s national secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, over party politics in Rivers State. Ahmad’s comments, shared on social media platform X, underline the tension between Wike, a former PDP governor of Rivers State, and leaders of the APC in the state.
Ahmad stated that Wike’s actions in Rivers State, which some critics say are aimed at influencing APC dynamics, are unacceptable. He said, “The National Secretary of the APC, Senator Ajibola Basiru, has reminded Nyesom Wike that his support for President Bola Tinubu does not automatically make him a member of the APC.”
He added, “Millions of non-APC Nigerians also support Mr. President and his own is no different. His attempt to destabilise the Party in Rivers State will not be tolerated, and he cannot bring the spirit of PDP into the APC.”
The statement highlights the concern among APC leaders that Wike, who remains a prominent figure in Rivers politics, might influence APC structures in ways that benefit his former party, the PDP, or create divisions within the ruling party.
Nyesom Wike served as Governor of Rivers State from 2015 to 2023 under the PDP. His leadership style and political influence made him one of the most prominent PDP figures in the South-South region. Even after leaving office, Wike has remained a key player in Rivers politics, often shaping political decisions and alliances in the state.
Following President Tinubu’s election, Wike publicly expressed support for the APC-led administration at the federal level, signaling a possible willingness to collaborate across party lines. However, some APC leaders, including Senator Basiru and now Bashir Ahmad, have expressed concern that Wike’s political style and methods—developed during his years in the PDP—could disrupt the APC’s cohesion in Rivers.
Rivers State has long been a political stronghold of the PDP. Over the years, the party has maintained strong control over local governance and political structures in the state. The APC, as the ruling party at the federal level, has been working to strengthen its presence in Rivers. Party leaders fear that the influence of powerful former PDP politicians like Wike could create internal conflicts or weaken APC strategies in the state.
The latest exchange began when Senator Ajibola Basiru, APC national secretary, reminded Wike that supporting President Tinubu does not automatically grant him membership or authority within the APC. This was reportedly in response to comments and actions by Wike that some party members felt could interfere with APC operations in Rivers State.
Bashir Ahmad’s intervention reinforced this position. By cautioning Wike against bringing the “spirit of PDP” into the APC, Ahmad made it clear that the ruling party expects loyalty from those involved in its activities and does not welcome attempts to influence internal matters in ways that resemble the practices of opposition parties.
The warning to Wike could have significant implications for the APC’s plans in Rivers State. The party is seeking to expand its support base and win local elections in areas historically dominated by the PDP. Party cohesion and discipline are considered essential for these efforts.
Conversely, Wike’s prominence and popularity in Rivers State could also present an opportunity for APC if managed carefully. Party leaders may try to engage him in ways that benefit both the state’s political stability and the federal government’s initiatives.