Wike Warns APC Secretary to Stay Out of Rivers Politics as Basiru Fires Back

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has cautioned the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibola Basiru, to stay away from political affairs in Rivers State. Wike issued the warning, following comments credited to Basiru over Rivers politics. He warned politicians against statements capable of causing tension in the state and said both the APC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) were now aligned in supporting the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027. Wike also criticised attempts to politicise the N600 billion Rivers State fund, warning outsiders against positioning themselves to benefit from resources meant for development.

In a swift reaction, Basiru dismissed Wike’s comments and asked him to resign as FCT minister and focus on his obsession with Rivers politics. In a statement on Monday, the APC scribe said Wike had no authority to meddle in the party’s affairs since he was not a member of the APC. Basiru rejected claims that he was motivated by Rivers State funds, insisting that his public record reflected integrity and principled service. He added that he could not be intimidated by threats, stressing that his role as APC National Secretary covered party activities across the country, not Rivers State alone.

Written by Adeyemi Adewale