The National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibola Basiru, has called on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to resign from office, accusing him of meddling in the internal affairs of the ruling party and fueling political instability in Rivers State.

In a statement issued on Monday, January 5, 2026, Basiru reacted to what he described as a tirade by Wike against him and his office following his remarks that sitting governors must be accorded due respect and recognized as leaders of the APC in their respective states. Basiru expressed shock that such a position could attract what he termed “uncouth responses” from a serving member of the Federal Executive Council.

Basiru maintained that Wike is not a registered member of the APC and therefore lacks the standing to interfere in the party’s affairs. He stressed that, as National Secretary, he is constitutionally mandated to protect the interests of the party, its members, and its structures nationwide, noting that his responsibilities are not limited to his home state of Osun.

He also dismissed claims that he and other APC leaders were scheming to benefit from alleged ₦600 billion allocations in Rivers State, describing the allegation as blackmail. Basiru said his public service record reflects integrity and challenged Wike to substantiate the claim or face legal action.

Responding to what he called veiled threats, Basiru said he would not be intimidated, recalling his role in the struggle against military rule in Nigeria. He added that his faith and political history make him immune to political bullying.

Basiru further argued that Wike’s support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu does not automatically confer APC membership on him, noting that many Nigerians who are not party members also support the President. He accused the FCT Minister of attempting to import the internal culture of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) into the APC and destabilize the party in Rivers State.

Concluding, the APC scribe said it was inappropriate for a serving minister in an APC-led government to use the leverage of public office to create discord within the party. He insisted that the “honourable” option for Wike was to resign his ministerial appointment and focus fully on his political interests in Rivers State.