PROMINENT stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have issued a stern warning to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, demanding an immediate retraction and public apology over what they described as “unwarranted and disrespectful” comments against the party’s National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru.
In a statement sent to News Point Nigeria on Monday, the APC stakeholders described Wike’s remarks as a clear breach of protocol, stressing that such conduct would not be tolerated within the ruling party.
According to the statement, which was signed by Umar D. Duhu, LLM, PhD, on behalf of concerned APC stakeholders, Wike’s comments were “uncalled for” and inconsistent with the standards expected of a serving minister in an APC-led government.
“As a serving minister, Nyesom Wike has a responsibility to exercise restraint, decorum and respect for the institutions of government and the ruling party,” the stakeholders said.
They added that the APC was not a party where leaders remained silent in the face of provocation, insisting that discipline and respect for hierarchy were core values of the party.
The stakeholders further argued that Wike, who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and serves in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s cabinet, was not a registered member of the APC and therefore had no authority to interfere in the internal affairs of the party or intimidate its officials.
“We remind him that he is not a member of the All Progressives Congress. He therefore has no privilege or mandate to interfere in the internal affairs of the party or harass its officers,” the statement read.
The group accused the FCT minister of attempting to intimidate the APC National Secretary, describing such actions as an abuse of office and a dangerous precedent within a democratic setting.
They warned that the party maintains a zero-tolerance policy for indiscipline, threats, or vulgar conduct, regardless of the status or influence of the individual involved.
As part of their demands, the stakeholders called on Wike to immediately retract his comments and issue a formal apology to the APC and its National Secretary.
They further listed possible consequences should Wike fail to comply, including filing a formal complaint with President Tinubu, initiating legal proceedings for defamation and abuse of office, and seeking disciplinary action against him in his capacity as a minister.
The statement also questioned Wike’s continued value to the APC-led administration, alleging that his rhetoric and ongoing political battles in Rivers State could undermine President Tinubu’s re-election efforts.
“Given his divisive rhetoric and apparent fixation with Rivers State politics, it is becoming increasingly clear that Wike is more of a liability than an asset to the President’s political project,” the stakeholders said.
They urged the minister to consider resigning from his position and focus on resolving political issues in his home state.
In a sharp rebuke, the group reminded Wike that his appointment as minister was a privilege and not an entitlement, cautioning against conduct that could be interpreted as arrogance or entitlement.
They also rejected any suggestion of a hierarchical relationship between Senator Ajibola Basiru and any serving minister, stressing that party officials and cabinet members operate as equals within their respective roles.
“APC will not be intimidated, blackmailed, or coerced by anyone, regardless of their background or influence,” the statement concluded.
As of the time of filing this report, neither Wike nor the APC National Secretariat had issued an official response to the claims.