The Alubarika Movement has cautioned the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mr Nyesom Wike, against involving the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Ajibola Basiru, in Rivers State politics.

In a statement issued in Osogbo by its Chairman, Alhaji Kehinde Olamolu, the movement expressed support for Basiru, saying his call for respect for the Governor of Rivers State was well within his responsibilities as the APC National Secretary and did not warrant what it described as disparaging remarks from Wike.

Reacting to Wike’s claim that Basiru was benefiting from the efforts of others, the group said Basiru was a member of the legal team that secured victory for the Action Congress in 2010, leading to the removal of the then Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) government through a court ruling.

The movement described Basiru as an experienced politician, noting that he served Osun State as a two-term commissioner and later represented Osun Central Senatorial District in the 9th Senate, roles it said earned him national recognition.

According to the statement, Basiru’s emergence as APC National Secretary has strengthened the party, citing the influx of governors, lawmakers and other political figures into the APC fold as evidence of growing confidence in the party’s leadership.

The group dismissed Wike’s warning that Basiru would “burn his fingers,” describing the APC scribe as scandal-free with an unblemished academic record from the University of Lagos and the Nigerian Law School.

The Alubarika Movement urged Wike to focus on his responsibilities as FCT Minister and refrain from interfering in APC affairs, noting that he is not a member of the party. It referenced the late Chief Bola Ige, who served as a minister under a PDP-led government without meddling in party politics.

The group further advised Wike to consider resigning from his ministerial position to allow him time, as it put it, to address internal challenges within the PDP.