APC National Secretary Urges Wike to Resign Amid Rivers State Crisis
The political temperature in Nigeria has reached a boiling point as the All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership takes a definitive stance on the ongoing volatility in Rivers State. On Tuesday, January 6, 2026, the National Secretary of the APC, Senator Ajibola Basiru, issued a stern ultimatum to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
Basiru, speaking during a high-level party briefing, advised Wike to resign from his ministerial position if he remains “obsessed” with controlling the political machinery of Rivers State. This public rebuke from within the ruling party’s hierarchy signals a significant shift in the federal government’s patience regarding the proxy war between Wike and his successor, Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
The “Distraction” Argument: Why the APC is Speaking Out
For months, the FCT Minister has been at the center of a grueling power struggle that has effectively split the Rivers State House of Assembly and created a governance vacuum in the oil-rich state. Senator Basiru’s intervention highlights a growing concern that Wike’s dual focus is detrimental to his national mandate.
- FCT Governance Neglect: Basiru emphasized that the FCT requires “100% concentration” given its mounting security challenges and infrastructure needs. He argued that Wike cannot effectively manage the nation’s capital while simultaneously coordinating political “skirmishes” in Port Harcourt.
- The Ethics of Office: The National Secretary noted that holding a high-ranking federal office under the “Renewed Hope” agenda requires a level of decorum and focus that is currently being undermined by the “noise” from Rivers State.
- Party Neutrality: While Wike serves in an APC-led cabinet, Basiru’s comments suggest the party is eager to distance itself from the local controversies that are beginning to taint the party’s national image ahead of the mid-term reviews.
Rivers State: A Battleground of Interests
The conflict between Nyesom Wike and Governor Fubara has evolved into one of the most complex political dramas in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic. Despite several peace accords brokered by the Presidency in late 2024 and 2025, the truce has repeatedly collapsed.
- The Assembly Deadlock: The legal battles over the seats of the 27 pro-Wike lawmakers who defected to the APC continue to stall legislative progress in the state.
- Budgetary Hurdles: Governance has been hampered by disputes over the 2026 state budget, with both factions claiming legitimacy over the appropriation process.
- Grassroots Polarization: The “Wike vs. Fubara” divide has trickled down to the local government level, leading to periodic clashes between supporters and a general sense of instability that is worrying investors.
| Strategic Concern | APC Official Position (2026) | Political Implication |
|---|---|---|
| Ministerial Focus | “Resign immediately” DEMAND | The party believes FCT administration is suffering due to Rivers distractions. |
| Party Locus | Wike is “Not a Member” of APC | Stripping Wike of authority to influence internal APC structures in the South-South. |
| Fubara Endorsement | Recognition of sitting Governors | A clear pivot by the APC National Secretariat to support Governor Fubara’s second term. |
| Integrity Clash | Rejection of “N600bn” Allegation | Basiru has challenged Wike to a legal battle over bribery and blackmail claims. |
| 2027 Alignment | No “Spirit of PDP” in APC | A rejection of Wike’s bid to import his political structure into the ruling party. |
The Ultimatum: Resign or Refocus
The core of Senator Basiru’s message was a “choice of honor.” The APC National Secretary suggested that if Wike’s primary interest lies in determining the political fate of Rivers State, he should step down as Minister to engage as a full-time politician. This would allow President Bola Tinubu to appoint a successor who can prioritize the FCT without the baggage of regional feuds.
Impact on the 2027 Political Map
The APC’s internal pressure on Wike could have far-reaching consequences for the 2027 General Elections. Wike’s role as a “bridge” between the PDP and APC was instrumental in the 2023 victory; however, his current status as a “Minister without a clear party home” is creating friction.
- The Fubara Factor: Governor Fubara has steadily consolidated his hold on the grassroots, presenting himself as the “liberator” of Rivers State, which has made Wike’s attempts at control increasingly difficult.
- Internal APC Dynamics: Many core APC members in Rivers State feel sidelined by Wike’s influence, and Basiru’s comments may be an attempt to appease the “original” party faithful who want to reclaim the state independently.
Conclusion: A Moment of Truth for the FCT Minister
The public demand for Nyesom Wike to resign or refocus marks a turning point in his relationship with the APC leadership. As 2026 unfolds, the FCT Minister finds himself at a crossroads. He must decide whether to protect his ministerial legacy in Abuja or continue the high-stakes gamble for political control in Rivers State. One thing is certain: the APC National Secretariat is no longer willing to ignore the distractions, and the pressure on Wike to choose a side has never been higher.
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