A political storm has hit the ruling All Progressives Congress, following a sharp exchange between its National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.
The disagreement has raised fresh questions about party unity and loyalty within the Tinubu-led government.
Basiru has openly warned Wike to stop what he described as moves that could destabilize the APC.
Moreover, he insisted that the minister should “immediately resign” if he cannot stay out of the party’s internal affairs.
In a statement released on Monday in Abuja, Basiru said he was reacting to “the tirade of the Minister of the FCT against my person and my office as the National Secretary of the APC.”
He explained that his earlier remarks were based on party structure and respect for elected leaders.
According to Basiru, his position was simple. He said “all members of the NWC must accord any sitting Governor his due respect and that the Governors remain the leaders of the Party in their States.”
However, he expressed shock that “such an innocuous statement can elicit such uncouth responses from no less than a member of the Federal Executive Council.”
The APC secretary further argued that Wike’s role in the cabinet clashes with his actions within the party.
Therefore, he said, “he cannot be in the Federal Executive Council of an APC Government and be causing confusion within any organ or structure of the Party at any level.” He added that “the honourable thing to do is to resign his appointment as Minister.”
Basiru also questioned Wike’s authority within the party. He stated clearly that “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.”
Meanwhile, Wike had earlier warned Basiru to stay away from Rivers State politics. Speaking during a visit to Oyigbo, Wike accused some politicians of exploiting the state’s reported N600 billion funds.
He said, “Let me warn those who come to Rivers State… leave Rivers State alone.”
Wike also declared the state a “no-go area” for interference. He cautioned, “If your hand burns, no be me burn am o.”
These followed comments by APC South-South Vice Chairman Victor Giadom, who referred to Governor Siminalayi Fubara as “the so-called Governor.”
In response, Basiru defended his role, saying he was “imbued with the responsibility to protect the interests of the Party.”
Furthermore, he dismissed claims about financial inducements as “cheap blackmail.” He stressed, “my background, track-record is that of unquestionable integrity.”
Basiru concluded that Wike’s support for the president “does not automatically make him a member of the APC.”
