Leaders within the All Progressives Congress (APC) have issued a strong warning to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, demanding the immediate removal of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, over alleged anti-party activities or risk facing sustained nationwide protests.
The warning was issued by groups including the APC Leaders Forum and the Tinubu/Shettima Solidarity Movement, who staged a peaceful protest in Abuja on Wednesday before proceeding to the party’s national secretariat.
In an open letter addressed to President Tinubu through the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, the groups accused Wike of insubordination, repeated verbal attacks on the party’s national leadership, and actions capable of undermining national unity. The letter was signed by prominent party figures including Chief Dr. Emeka Okoro, Dr. Adekunle Balogun, Alhaji Ibrahim Yusuf, and Mallam Abdulkareem Isiaka.
The protesters cited comments allegedly made by Wike during a visit to Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers State on January 5, where he reportedly criticized the APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, accusing him of interfering in the state’s political affairs. Wike was said to have warned that those meddling in Rivers politics would “get their fingers burnt” and declared the state a “no-go area” for certain political actors.
According to the groups, such remarks amount to a direct challenge to President Tinubu’s authority and pose a risk of heightened political tension and unrest in the Niger Delta region.
They further argued that Wike, who is not a registered member of the APC despite holding a ministerial position in its government, lacks the moral and political standing to interfere in internal party matters while benefiting from the party’s platform.
Describing Wike’s conduct as a “brazen assault” on the APC’s hierarchy, the protesters warned that his continued presence in government threatens stability in Rivers State, where political tensions have intensified following Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s defection to the APC late last year.
Fubara, once regarded as Wike’s political protégé, has increasingly aligned with the ruling party, drawing support from senior APC figures including Senator Basiru—developments that have reportedly fueled renewed friction within the state.
The groups reaffirmed their loyalty to President Tinubu and his Renewed Hope Agenda, noting that preparations are already underway to support his re-election bid. However, they stressed that no individual should be considered bigger than the party or the nation.
They warned that failure to take decisive action against Wike could deepen internal divisions within the APC and weaken the party’s electoral prospects ahead of future elections.
The demonstrators vowed to escalate their actions, promising to extend protests across states and local government areas nationwide until Wike is relieved of his appointment.
The development underscores growing internal pressure within the ruling party over Wike’s role in Rivers State politics, despite the former governor’s repeated public declarations of support for President Tinubu, highlighting the delicate political balancing act facing the presidency ahead of upcoming electoral contests.
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