The Rivers State political crisis took a dramatic turn on Tuesday after a senior aide to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike launched a public verbal assault on APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru.
The exchange, which quickly spread online, has further exposed deep cracks within the ruling party and heightened political tension in the oil-rich state.
Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications to Wike, used social media to pass across what he described as his principal’s blunt warning to Basiru.
Writing on X, formerly Twitter, Olayinka declared, “Dey your dey, make I dey my dey,” a popular phrase urging Basiru to mind his own affairs.
The post immediately drew attention because of its sharp tone and timing. Moreover, it followed days of rising tension linked to the unresolved Rivers political standoff.
Olayinka accused Basiru of interfering in what he described as Rivers State’s “local and grassroots-based” politics.
He warned the APC scribe not to “carry his shoulder enter another man’s territory.” In addition, he mocked Basiru’s political record, referencing his loss in the 2023 Osun Central senatorial election.
“You wey no fit win your own election as a serving senator and Senate Spokesperson, na you go come Rivers come help person? 😂😂😂😂,” Olayinka wrote.
He further suggested that Basiru should first resolve internal APC divisions in Osun State before speaking on Rivers politics.
The online outburst did not happen in isolation. Meanwhile, it followed a heated exchange between Wike and Basiru over comments about Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Basiru had earlier insisted that the governor deserved respect, regardless of party disagreements.
This position came after APC South-South Vice Chairman Victor Giadom reportedly referred to Fubara as a “so-called governor.”
However, Wike responded during a visit to Oyigbo Local Government Area, warning outsiders to stay away from Rivers politics. He also described the state as a “no-go area.”
Basiru, therefore, pushed back strongly in a formal statement.
He argued that Wike had no standing to interfere in APC affairs and demanded his resignation if he wished to continue political engagement in Rivers. He accused the minister of bringing opposition-style conflicts into the ruling party.
