The National Secretary of the All Progressives
Congress (APC), Senator Ajibola Basiru, has said the Minister of the
Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has no authority to
interfere in the affairs of the ruling party in Rivers State, insisting
that the former governor is not a member of the APC.
Basiru made the assertion in a statement posted on the
APC’s official X handle, reacting to Wike’s warning that he should steer clear
of Rivers State politics.
“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 said.
The APC scribe stressed that, as National Secretary,
he has a constitutional responsibility to protect the interests of the party
and its structures nationwide, including Rivers State.
“As National Secretary of the APC, my activities
cannot be confined to my home state, Osun State. My comments regarding the
affairs of the APC in Rivers State cannot be described as undue interference,”
he added.
The exchange followed comments made by the APC
National Vice Chairman (South-South), Victor Giadom, during Wike’s visit
to Gokana Local Government Area on December 30, 2025. Giadom had referred to
Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara as a “so-called governor” and
claimed that Fubara could not win any election in the state without Wike’s
backing.
Basiru had subsequently cautioned Giadom against
disrespecting Governor Fubara to please Wike, a remark that appeared to trigger
the FCT minister’s reaction.
During a thank-you visit to Oyigbo Local Government
Area, Wike warned Basiru to stay out of Rivers politics, describing the
state as a “no-go area” for political interference.
“Tell your national secretary to leave Rivers alone.
Go and ask those who have tried it before, and don’t take our support for Mr
President for granted,” Wike said.
He also threatened to report Basiru’s comments to
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, warning that political meddling in Rivers
State could have consequences.
“Carry your hand to Rivers State; if your hand burns,
don’t say na me burn am,” Wike cautioned.
The former Rivers governor further alleged that those
attempting to interfere in the state’s politics were motivated by the reported
?600 billion in the state treasury, urging them to stay away.
Wike maintained that Rivers leaders voluntarily
supported President Tinubu in the 2023 elections when it was politically risky
to do so, adding that the state should now be left alone.
“We have taken a decision to support Mr President, and
that is exactly what we are doing. Leave Rivers State alone,” he said.
The war of words has once again highlighted the
deepening political tensions surrounding Rivers State, particularly within and
around the APC’s South-South leadership.
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