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 his appointment over what he described as persistent interference in the internal affairs of the ruling party.

Basiru’s call followed a sharp warning earlier issued by Wike, who cautioned the APC scribe to “leave Rivers State alone” and desist from meddling in its political affairs. Speaking during a thank-you visit to supporters in Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers State, Wike declared the state a “no-go area” for external political interference and warned against taking his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for granted.

The FCT Minister also alleged that some APC leaders were scrambling for an alleged N600 billion “largesse” in Rivers State and warned that those interfering could “burn their hands,” a reference to past political consequences.

Reacting in a statement issued in Osogbo, Osun State, Basiru described Wike’s remarks as a “tirade” and “uncouth,” insisting that his own comments were rooted in principle and party tradition.

According to Basiru, his position was simply that all members of the APC National Working Committee (NWC) must accord sitting governors due respect and recognise them as leaders of the party in their respective states, regardless of political differences — including Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

“For the avoidance of doubt, our records indicate that Minister Nyesom Wike is not a member of our party (APC), so he lacks the locus to dabble into the affairs of our party,” Basiru stated.

He added that as National Secretary of the APC, he is constitutionally mandated to protect the interests of the party and its structures nationwide, stressing that his responsibilities cannot be confined to Osun State alone.

Basiru also rejected Wike’s allegation that he and other APC leaders were scrambling for an alleged N600 billion in Rivers State, describing it as “cheap blackmail.”

“My background and track record are those of unquestionable integrity,” he said, challenging Wike to substantiate the allegation or face legal action.

Addressing what he described as veiled threats, Basiru said he would not be intimidated, noting that he was actively involved in Nigeria’s pro-democracy struggles during the military era.

He further argued that Wike’s support for President Tinubu does not confer APC membership on him, adding that millions of Nigerians who are not party members also support the President.

“His attempt to destabilise our party in Rivers State will not be tolerated, and he cannot import the spirit of the PDP into the APC,” Basiru warned.

Concluding, the APC National Secretary said it was inappropriate for a serving minister in an APC government to use the leverage of his office to create confusion within the party.

“The honourable thing to do,” Basiru stated, “is for him to resign his appointment as Minister.”

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