The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibola Basiru, have traded sharp words over political developments in Rivers State, deepening tensions within the ruling party’s ranks.
Wike issued a stern warning to Basiru during a “thank you” visit to Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers State, cautioning him to stay out of the state’s political affairs. The former Rivers governor was reacting to comments attributed to Basiru on the internal political situation in the state, particularly remarks linked to the rift involving Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
The controversy followed Basiru’s warning to the APC National Vice Chairman (South-South), Victor Giadom, to stop allegedly disrespecting Governor Fubara in a bid to please Wike. Giadom had earlier described Fubara as a “so-called governor” during Wike’s visit to Gokana Local Government Area on December 30, 2025, adding that Fubara could not win any political contest in Rivers State without Wike’s backing.
Responding forcefully, Wike said he would not take Basiru’s comments lightly and instructed Giadom to deliver a clear message to the APC scribe. He warned Basiru to “leave Rivers alone” and cautioned against taking the state’s support for President Bola Tinubu for granted. Issuing what he described as a final warning, Wike said further interference in Rivers’ politics would have consequences.
The FCT minister also cautioned politicians he alleged were eyeing the N600 billion in Rivers State funds to steer clear of the state. Recalling the 2023 elections, Wike said Rivers people supported President Tinubu without external backing, insisting that their decision to do so was voluntary.
Describing Rivers State as a “no-go area” for political opportunists, Wike challenged what he termed greedy politicians to stay away, insisting that his political camp had already decided to support the President and would stand by it. He also thanked the people of Oyigbo for their loyalty and support over the years.
At the event, the Chairman of Oyigbo Local Government Council, Okechukwu Agara, pledged continued support for Wike on behalf of the people, while Felix Nweke, who represents Tai, Oyigbo, and Eleme Federal Constituency, said development in the area had stalled since Wike left office as governor in 2023. Ambassador Desmond Akawor, Chairman of the Renewed Hope movement in Rivers State, described the lack of development as unfortunate but expressed optimism that the situation would improve with a change of leadership in 2027.
In a swift reaction, Basiru dismissed Wike’s warning, questioning the minister’s authority to interfere in the affairs of the APC. He said Wike was not a member of the party and therefore lacked the standing to comment on his activities.
Reaffirming his position, Basiru said his role as APC National Secretary was not confined to any state, stressing that he was the head of the party’s National Secretariat. He maintained that until Wike formally joined the APC, he had no locus to engage him on party matters.
Basiru also rejected allegations that he was interested in Rivers State funds, describing the claim as baseless and insisting that his record was one of integrity and principled service. Addressing what he described as veiled threats from the FCT minister, Basiru said he was not intimidated, noting his past role in confronting military dictatorship.
Concluding his response, the APC scribe advised Wike to resign as minister and focus on what he described as his obsession with Rivers State politics, further underscoring the growing rift between the two political heavyweights.
