A political dispute has erupted between Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, over comments linked to Rivers State politics.
The clash followed remarks by Basiru accusing Wike, a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, of meddling in the affairs of the APC in Rivers State and making unsubstantiated claims about financial inducements involving party leaders.
Basiru advised the minister to resign his appointment and focus fully on Rivers politics, stressing that Wike’s support for President Bola Tinubu does not automatically confer APC membership. “Millions of Nigerians who are not members of the APC also support Mr President,” he said.
Responding in a statement, Basiru described Wike’s allegation of a ₦600 billion largesse as “cheap blackmail,” adding: “My background and track record are of unquestionable integrity, and I challenge him to prove his allegations or meet me in court.”
He further warned that Wike was overstepping political boundaries, noting: “For the avoidance of doubt, our records indicate that Minister Nyesom Wike is not a member of our party and lacks the locus to dabble into APC affairs.”
Wike, however, fired back during a “thank-you” visit to Oyigbo Local Government Area, warning the APC national secretary to stay away from Rivers politics. “Take this message to your National Secretary: leave Rivers State alone,” he said.
The minister cautioned against what he described as political interference driven by financial interests, adding: “This state is a no-go area. Take what you have taken and stop making unnecessary comments.”
