Wike Tackles APC National Scribe, Ajibola Bashiru On Rivers Politics

… As Bashiru Fires Back, Tells Wike To Resign As FCT Minister, Face Rivers Politics

By Samuel Sunday

The National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibola Basiru, on Monday has asked the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to resign his appointment and focus on Rivers State politics, following a heated exchange over the control of political activities in the state.

The confrontation followed comments credited to Wike, in which he reportedly cautioned Bashiru to stay away from Rivers State politics and concentrate on Osun State affairs. Wike was also said to have accused the APC scribe of interfering in Rivers politics for selfish reasons.

In a swift response, Bashiru rejected the remarks, insisting that Wike lacks the authority to comment on APC internal matters because he is not a registered member of the ruling party.

“From my records, he isn’t a member of APC. I don’t see which authority or temerity he has to be dabbling in APC affairs,” Bashiru said. “As the National Secretary of APC, my activities are not confined to Osun State or any single part of Nigeria.”

Bashiru described himself as the administrative head of the APC national secretariat, noting that his role grants him oversight of party activities nationwide, including Rivers State. 

He stressed that no non-member of the party has the locus to question or caution him on APC-related political activities.

The APC National Secretary also dismissed allegations that he was interested in Rivers State’s financial allocations, describing such claims as unfounded and damaging to his reputation.

“My records of service are those of integrity and commitment. I am not an opportunist, and I have never shied away from taking principled positions, no matter whose ox is gored,” he said.

Responding to what he described as veiled threats from the FCT Minister, Bashiru said he would not be intimidated, citing his role in Nigeria’s pro-democracy struggle during the military era.

“I am a believer in God, and only God determines what happens to anyone. I cannot be bullied by anybody, no matter how highly placed,” he added.

Bashiru concluded by advising Wike to relinquish his ministerial position if Rivers State politics remains his priority. “My advice to him is that he should resign as Minister and face his obsession with Rivers politics,” he said.

The exchange comes as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections, with Rivers State emerging as a strategic battleground. Political observers say the public disagreement highlights growing tension within and around the ruling party as key political figures position themselves for influence in the state and beyond.