Tensions escalated on Monday between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibola Basiru, over political affairs in Rivers State. The disagreement came into the public spotlight following a series of exchanges regarding the influence of national party figures on local politics in the oil-rich state.
During a thank-you visit to the Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers State, Wike issued a stern warning to Basiru, urging him to stay away from the state’s political affairs. “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. You have to be careful of the statement you made,” Wike declared, emphasizing the sensitivity of external interference in local governance.
The FCT Minister’s warning followed a comment by Basiru, who had earlier instructed the National Vice Chairman of the APC for the South-South, Victor Giadom, to stop disrespecting Governor Siminalayi Fubara. Basiru’s remarks were prompted by Giadom’s earlier statement in Gokana Local Government Area, where he referred to Fubara as a “so-called governor” and noted that for Fubara to achieve political success in Rivers, he would have to go through Wike.
Reacting to the situation, Wike made clear that any meddling in Rivers politics would not be tolerated. “When Mr. President comes back, when I see the Minister of Blue Economy, I will tell them to tell him. Carry your hand to Rivers State, if your hand burns, don’t say na me burn am,” he said. He also cautioned those interested in the alleged ₦600 billion in the state treasury to avoid interference, reminding the public of Rivers people’s consistent support for President Bola Tinubu during the 2023 elections.
Wike further described Rivers State as “a no-go area” for political interference and urged that all external actors respect the agreements already made with key stakeholders. “Take the one you have taken and stop making unnecessary comments. We have taken a decision to support Mr President, and that is exactly what we are doing. When we agreed to support Tinubu in 2023, nobody forced us. Now, food is ready, and everybody is coming, and when it was hot, nobody was saying anything. Leave Rivers state alone,” he stressed.
The minister’s remarks were met with support from local government leaders. The Chairman of Oyigbo Local Government Council, Okechukwu Agara, expressed the community’s gratitude to Wike. “For all that you have done for us, we will continue to support you. Just say the word, we will hear and will do exactly what you want us to do,” Agara said, highlighting Wike’s influence and developmental contributions in the area.
However, Basiru, responding via the APC’s official X handle, rejected Wike’s warning. He emphasized that as National Secretary of the ruling party, his role extended beyond his home state of Osun. “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 stated, directly challenging the FCT Minister’s interference claim.
He added, “Hence, my comments regarding the affairs of the APC in Rivers State cannot be an undue interference in the affairs of Rivers State. As National Secretary, my activities cannot be confined to my home state, Osun State.” Basiru insisted that his responsibility as party secretary obliges him to protect the interests of the APC and all its members nationwide.
Political analysts note that the disagreement underscores the growing friction between federal government appointees and the APC’s party leadership in regions traditionally dominated by opposition parties. Wike, a former governor of Rivers State, has maintained significant political influence in the state, often shaping local power dynamics and alliances.
During his visit, Wike accused some political actors of deliberately misleading Governor Fubara and the public regarding the implementation of pre-agreed accords signed with the involvement of key stakeholders. “People think they can just say anything in politics and it will not matter. It matters. If it did not matter yesterday, it will matter today, and if not today, it will matter tomorrow,” Wike said. He emphasized the importance of adhering to agreements to ensure political stability.
The agreements, according to Wike, were collectively endorsed by significant figures, including former Rivers State Governor Peter Odili, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, and leaders of major political parties. “The agreement was collectively endorsed, and all parties present freely appended their signatures before returning home to contradict the same position they had earlier accepted,” he noted, underscoring the principle of collective accountability.
Wike also took the opportunity to remind political leaders of Rivers State’s strategic importance in the South-South region. “Rivers State is a critical political force, and leaders must always speak the truth, especially on sensitive issues that affect peace and stability in the state,” he said, warning against misinformation and the destabilizing effects of reckless political rhetoric.
The minister further recalled past attempts by factions to dismantle the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) structure in Rivers during previous conventions, noting that such moves ultimately failed. He stressed that his political decisions are guided by principles of equity, fairness, and justice rather than personal or party interests.
Adding to Wike’s narrative, George Sekibo, Chairman of the Rivers Ijaw Peoples Congress, criticized Governor Fubara for being ungrateful and expressed unwavering support for the FCT Minister. “Ijaw leaders would work to ensure the Governor is not re-elected. We stand with Wike,” Sekibo said, reflecting grassroots backing for Wike’s political interventions in the state.
Boma Iyaye, Executive Director of Finance at the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), also pledged continued support from the Ogu/Bolo community. “We commend Minister Wike for facilitating key appointments and development in the area and assure him of our ongoing support,” Iyaye said.
Similarly, the Chairman of Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area, Hon. Vincent Nemieboka, highlighted various development projects the minister has delivered in the area and reaffirmed loyalty to Wike. “We will continue to support all initiatives brought by the minister for the benefit of our people,” Nemieboka stated.
The minister’s visit was marked by cultural displays and traditional performances, reflecting the local population’s enthusiasm and recognition of his influence. Political leaders, traditional rulers, chiefs, and other stakeholders were in attendance, signaling a blend of cultural celebration and political affirmation.
Observers note that the standoff between Wike and Basiru exemplifies the challenges facing party cohesion when federal appointees with historical regional influence confront national party officials over jurisdictional boundaries and the handling of local politics.
While Wike frames his warnings as safeguarding Rivers State’s political and fiscal integrity, Basiru positions his interventions as part of his constitutional and party-mandated responsibilities. Both sides have sought to frame their narratives as defending legitimate interests, though the public debate has intensified in recent days.