‘Resign as FCT Minister’ – APC Scribe Ajibola Basiru Fires Back at Wike Over Rivers Politics Meddling

Ajibola Basiru, National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has delivered a stinging rebuke to Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike, urging him to resign from his ministerial post and abandon his “obsession” with Rivers State politics. The escalation follows Wike’s recent warning to Basiru to steer clear of political activities in Rivers State, where Wike remains a dominant figure despite his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC in 2022.

Basiru, speaking in a statement on Sunday, January 4, 2026, dismissed Wike’s authority to comment on APC internal matters. “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 declared. He emphasized his role as head of the APC National Secretariat, asserting that his duties extend nationwide, not just to his home state of Osun, countering Wike’s “wrong impression.”

The feud traces back to ongoing power struggles in Rivers State, a political hotspot since Wike’s fallout with PDP presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar and his subsequent alliance with President Bola Tinubu. Recent tensions have intensified amid local government crises and defections. Wike, as FCT Minister, has been vocal in supporting Governor Siminalayi Fubara while clashing with anti-Wike lawmakers. Basiru’s involvement reportedly stems from APC efforts to reclaim influence in Rivers, including reconciliation meetings and support for pro-Wike factions.

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Basiru Rejects Corruption Allegations, Cites Integrity

Basiru took strong exception to Wike’s insinuation of interest in Rivers State’s N600 billion allocation. “My records of service are those of integrity and commitment to service. I am not an opportunist,” he retorted, highlighting his principled stance “no matter whose ox is gored.” A former Osun State Attorney General and National Legal Adviser of APC, Basiru positioned himself as unyielding, recalling his history confronting military dictatorship as a “young Nigerian.”

He further shrugged off Wike’s veiled threats, invoking faith: “I am a believer in God, that only God can do something for anybody, no matter how highly placed. I can’t be bullied by anybody.” Basiru insisted Wike lacks “locus standi” to query his actions until he formally joins APC, despite Wike’s public alignment with the ruling party.

Context of Rivers Political Tussle

Background checks reveal Wike’s comment likely responded to Basiru’s recent APC stakeholders’ meeting in Port Harcourt on December 30, 2025, aimed at resolving party crises and positioning for 2027 polls. Reports from Channels TV and Premium Times indicate Basiru criticized anti-party activities, indirectly targeting PDP holdouts in Rivers. Wike, who delivered Tinubu’s 2023 victory in Rivers, has faced accusations of overreach, including his role in suspending Fubara’s allies.

This public spat underscores deepening rifts within APC’s “Rivers agenda.” Wike’s influence remains pivotal, but Basiru’s pushback signals resistance from party traditionalists. As of January 5, 2026, no response from Wike’s camp has emerged, though allies dismissed Basiru as a “minor player.”

Political analysts view the exchange as a precursor to broader 2027 battles, with Rivers’ oil-rich status amplifying stakes. Basiru concluded: “Finally, my advice to him is that he should resign as Minister and face his obsession with Rivers politics.”