By Olokuta Rofiat
A public spat between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Senator Ajibola Basiru, has deepened internal tensions within the ruling party over political control in Rivers State.
The dispute began when Wike, during a thank you visit to Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers State, warned Basiru and other APC leaders to steer clear of the state’s politics, describing Rivers as a no go area for external interference and cautioning that those who meddle risk burning their hands.
Basiru responded by rejecting Wike’s comments, describing them as inappropriate and unwelcome.
He stressed that Wike remains a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and therefore lacks the authority to interfere in the internal affairs of the APC.
The APC scribe also dismissed suggestions that Wike’s support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu confers party membership, insisting that backing the president does not automatically make one an APC member.
He further urged Wike to resign his ministerial position if he intends to play active partisan politics in Rivers State.
The exchange followed earlier controversial remarks by the APC South South National Vice Chairman, Victor Giadom, who referred to Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, as a so called governor.
Basiru had criticised the comment as disrespectful to an elected governor, adding another layer to the internal disagreement.
Analysts say the public feud highlights lingering fault lines within the APC as the party grapples with unity and discipline ahead of future electoral contests.
