The National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibola Basiru, has asserted that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has no right to interfere in the affairs of the APC in Rivers State.
Basiru stated that the former governor is not a member of the APC and therefore lacks the “locus standi” to involve himself in the party’s matters.
He made this declaration in a post on the official X account of the APC, responding to Wike’s admonition that he should refrain from engaging in Rivers State politics.
“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 interfere in our party’s affairs,” he stated.
The former lawmaker emphasised that, as National Secretary of the APC, he has a duty to protect the interests of the party and all its members and structures.
“Thus, my comments regarding the affairs of the APC in Rivers State cannot be construed as undue interference. As National Secretary, my responsibilities extend beyond my home state, Osun State,” he added.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, had previously advised Senator Basiru to stay out of Rivers State politics.
#### ‘Leave Rivers Alone’
During a visit to the Oyigbo Local Government Area, Wike urged Basiru to keep his distance from Rivers after the APC chieftain warned the party’s National Vice Chairman for the South-South, Victor Giadom, to cease disrespecting the state governor, Siminalayi Fubara, to appease Wike.
Basiru’s remarks followed Giadom’s comments on December 30, 2025, during Wike’s visit to the Gokana Local Government Area, where he referred to Fubara as a “so-called governor.” Giadom also suggested that for Fubara to achieve anything in Rivers, he must go through Wike.
Not taking Basiru’s comments lightly, Wike advised Giadom to counsel the APC secretary to avoid Rivers politics for his own benefit.
“Tell your national secretary to leave Rivers alone. Go and ask those who have attempted it before, and don’t take our support for the President for granted.
“You must be cautious with the statements you make,” Wike warned.
The former governor of Rivers also mentioned that he would bring Basiru’s comments to the attention of President Bola Tinubu.
“When the President returns, I will inform him. If you meddle in Rivers State and get burned, don’t say I didn’t warn you,” he said.
Wike further cautioned those interfering in Rivers politics due to the alleged ₦600 billion in the state treasury to keep their distance.
He noted that when the people of Rivers were supporting President Bola Tinubu in 2023, no one offered assistance.
He insisted that Basiru and his associates should refrain from political involvement; otherwise, they should be prepared for the consequences.
The minister described Rivers as “a no-go area,” adding, “Take what you have and stop making unnecessary comments.
“We have made a decision to support the President, and that is precisely what we are doing. When we decided to back Tinubu in 2023, it was of our own volition.
“Now that the rewards are apparent, everyone wants to get involved, yet when it was difficult, no one said anything. Leave Rivers State alone.”
