The National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibola Basiru, has launched a scathing attack on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, challenging his authority to interfere in the ruling party’s internal affairs.
No Locus Standi
In a statement issued on Monday, Basiru reminded the former Rivers governor that he is not a card-carrying member of the APC. Consequently, Basiru argued that Wike lacks the standing to question the activities of the party’s National Secretariat.
He stated:
“From my record, he (Wike) isn’t a member of APC. I don’t see which authority or temerity he has to be dabbling in APC affairs.
“I am the National Secretary of APC and I don’t see any basis for him to be making comments about my activities either in Rivers State or in any part of Nigeria.
“As the National Secretary of the party, my activities aren’t confined to Osun State contrary to his wrong impression. I am the head of the National Secretariat of the APC.
“So, he has no locus whatsoever to engage me in any political activity that concerns the APC until he joins the party.”
Rebutting the N600 Billion Claim
Basiru also vehemently rejected Wike’s insinuations that his interest in Rivers State politics is driven by a desire to access the N600 billion in the state’s coffers. He described himself as a principled individual, not an opportunist.
He said:
“Secondly, I take strong exception to his allusion that I am interested in the N600 billion allocations of Rivers State. My records of service are those of integrity and commitment to service.
“I am not an opportunist, and I have never shied away from taking principled positions on any matter, no matter whose ox is gored.”
“I Cannot Be Bullied”
Dismissing what he termed “veiled threats” from the minister, Basiru highlighted his history of activism against military dictatorship, insisting that he cannot be intimidated by anyone, regardless of their position.
He asserted:
“As to his veiled threat against me, I am a believer in God, that only God can do something for anybody, no matter how highly placed.
“I am one of the young Nigerians that confronted military dictatorship. I can’t be bullied by anybody, no matter how highly placed. My records as national secretary are above board, and I can’t be queried by somebody who isn’t a member of APC.”
Call to Resign
Concluding his statement, the APC scribe offered a piece of advice to the Minister, urging him to vacate his federal position if he cannot let go of local state politics.
“Finally, my advice to him is that he should resign as Minister and face his obsession with Rivers politics,”
The Wike-APC Dynamic
Although Nyesom Wike serves as a Minister in the APC-led federal government under President Tinubu, he has not officially defected from the PDP. This unique position has led to friction with some APC stakeholders who feel he wields too much influence in a party he does not officially belong to, particularly regarding the political structures in Rivers State.