Wike-Basiru Clash: FCT Minister Accuses APC Secretary of Meddling in Rivers Politics

Wike-Basiru Clash: FCT Minister Accuses APC Secretary of Meddling in Rivers Politics

Port Harcourt, Rivers State – The political feud between Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike and All Progressives Congress (APC) National Secretary Ajibola Basiru escalated on Monday, with Wike warning Basiru to stay away from Rivers State’s internal politics, accusing him of being primarily interested in the state’s resources.

Speaking during his thank-you tour of Rivers State’s 23 local government areas, Wike boasted of his ability to influence two political parties and warned APC officials against interfering in the state. “Let me warn those who come to Rivers State… you collect and you open your mouth to talk anyhow,” Wike said at Oyingbo Local Government Area, alluding to Basiru’s activities.

In response, Basiru urged Wike to resign from the APC-led federal government if he could not refrain from meddling in the party’s affairs. The APC scribe dismissed Wike’s claims about a purported N600 billion largesse in Rivers as “cheap blackmail” and emphasized that Wike, not being an APC member, lacked the authority to interfere.

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“The honourable thing to do is to resign his appointment as Minister,” Basiru stated, adding that he would not be intimidated by what he described as veiled threats from Wike. He also defended his integrity and political record, highlighting his history of fighting for democracy during military rule.

The confrontation follows Basiru’s recent visit to Government House, Port Harcourt, where he and other APC leaders endorsed Governor Siminalayi Fubara for a second term, praising his achievements and peaceful governance. Wike’s ally, APC South-South Zonal Deputy Chairman Victor Giadom, had previously referred to Fubara as a “so-called governor,” a remark Basiru condemned, stressing that elected officials must be respected regardless of political differences.

The feud reflects ongoing tensions between Rivers State’s ruling party and the federal APC apparatus, raising concerns over potential political instability in the state ahead of future elections.

Wike-Basiru Clash: FCT Minister Accuses APC Secretary of Meddling in Rivers Politics