The battle for the soul of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State took a dramatic turn on Monday, January 5, 2026, as the party’s National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, issued a blistering response to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.
The Governor is Leader
The friction began after Senator Basiru clarified the party’s hierarchy following the recent defection of Governor Siminalayi Fubara to the APC. Basiru maintained that, per party tradition, a sitting Governor automatically becomes the leader of the party in their state.
The friction began after Senator Basiru clarified the party’s hierarchy following the recent defection of Governor Siminalayi Fubara to the APC. Basiru maintained that, per party tradition, a sitting Governor automatically becomes the leader of the party in their state.
This stance drew a sharp warning from Wike, who told Basiru to “stay clear” of Rivers politics.
“No Locus to Dabble”
In a strongly-worded statement released Monday evening, Basiru dismissed Wike’s interference, pointing out a fundamental technicality: Wike is not a member of the APC.
In a strongly-worded statement released Monday evening, Basiru dismissed Wike’s interference, pointing out a fundamental technicality: Wike is not a member of the APC.
“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 declared. He further warned that Wike cannot use his position in the Federal Executive Council of an APC-led government to “cause confusion” within the party’s structures.
Blackmail and Legal Threats
Basiru also addressed Wike’s allegation that APC leaders were scrambling for a ₦600 billion largesse in Rivers State, labeling the claim as “cheap blackmail.”
Basiru also addressed Wike’s allegation that APC leaders were scrambling for a ₦600 billion largesse in Rivers State, labeling the claim as “cheap blackmail.”
“This is nothing but cheap blackmail which has become his stock-in-trade,” the Secretary said. “My background and track record are that of unquestionable integrity. I challenge him to prove his allegations, or we may meet in court.”
The PDP Spirit vs. APC
Responding to Wike’s veiled threats, the former Senator reminded the Minister that supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu does not confer APC membership.
Responding to Wike’s veiled threats, the former Senator reminded the Minister that supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu does not confer APC membership.
“Millions of non-APC Nigerians also support Mr. President, and his own is no different. He cannot bring the spirit of the PDP into the APC,” Basiru added. He concluded by asserting that as National Secretary, his responsibility is to protect the party nationwide, not just in his home state of Osun, and he would not succumb to “cheap threats.”