The National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ajibola Basiru, has lashed out at the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, asking him to resign and focus on what he described as an unhealthy obsession with Rivers State politics.
Basiru said he was not intimidated by what he called veiled threats from Wike. Instead, he insisted that his years in politics had prepared him to withstand pressure from any quarter.
Basiru backs Fubara amid Rivers crisis
The APC scribe reaffirmed his support for Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who remains locked in a prolonged political confrontation with Wike.
At the same time, Basiru warned the party’s South-South Chairman, Victor Giadom, against making derogatory remarks about Fubara or any sitting governor. He stressed that members of the APC National Working Committee must remain neutral in political disputes.
Wike warns Basiru to stay away
Earlier, Wike had cautioned Basiru to stay away from Rivers politics. He issued the warning during a “thank-you” visit to Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers State on Monday.
“Take this message to your National Secretary, leave Rivers State alone,” Wike said. He also warned APC leaders not to take the state’s support for President Bola Tinubu for granted.
APC scribe questions Wike’s standing
In a statement personally signed on Monday, Basiru said Wike lacked the authority to interfere in the affairs of the ruling party.
“My advice to him is simple: resign as Minister and face your obsession with Rivers politics,” Basiru said.
Basiru argued that Wike is not a member of the APC and therefore has no standing to challenge him on party matters. He added that his role as National Secretary gives him oversight responsibilities across all states.
Basiru dismisses claims over Rivers funds
Basiru also dismissed claims linking him to Rivers State’s ₦600 billion allocation, describing them as baseless and misleading.
“I take strong exception to the suggestion that I am interested in Rivers State funds,” he said. “My record is one of integrity.”
He insisted that no individual, regardless of influence, could intimidate him or limit his duties as APC National Secretary.
