Leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), under the umbrella of the APC Leaders Forum (ALF) and the Tinubu/Shettima Solidarity Movement (TSSM), on Wednesday staged a rally in Abuja, calling for the immediate removal of Nyesom Wike as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) over alleged insubordination, attacks on party leadership and threats to national unity.
The groups made the demand in an open letter and press statement addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and routed through the National Chairman of the APC, Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda.
Addressing journalists during the peaceful rally, the APC leaders said their action was driven by “deep concern for the stability of the APC, the security of our nation, and the sanctity of democratic principles.”
They declared: “We have scheduled a rally today, this is a peaceful assembly of loyal party faithful, dedicated to upholding the integrity of our great party and your visionary leadership.”
The groups, who described themselves as steadfast supporters of President Tinubu and the Renewed Hope Agenda, said they could no longer remain silent over what they termed “egregious misconduct” by the FCT minister.
According to the statement, “Wike’s actions represent a brazen assault on the APC’s leadership, a direct threat to your authority as President, and a dangerous incitement that could destabilize Rivers State and the entire Niger Delta region. We demand his immediate sack to preserve party unity, protect our elected officials, and safeguard national peace.”
*Alleged Attacks on APC Leadership*
The rally leaders accused Wike of launching “vicious, unprovoked attacks” on the APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, despite not being a registered member of the ruling party.
They recalled Wike’s comments during his January 5, 2026, “thank-you tour” of Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers State, where he allegedly accused Basiru of meddling in Rivers politics for personal gain and eyeing the state’s resources.
Quoting Wike, the statement said he warned that anyone interfering in Rivers politics would “get their fingers burnt.”
The APC groups described the remark as “not only an insult to Basiru’s integrity but a direct affront to the entire APC National Working Committee,” adding that it undermined the authority of the party’s national leadership.
*Rivers Crisis and Governor Fubara*
The groups also accused the FCT minister of persistently attacking Governor Siminalayi Fubara, describing his actions as “political sabotage.”
They alleged that Wike had mocked the governor’s leadership, called his emergence a “mistake,” and vowed it would be corrected in 2027.
According to the statement, “As a serving minister in an APC-led government, Wike’s actions amount to anti-party activities that weaken our hold on Rivers State—a key battleground for the APC’s future electoral success.”
*Threat to National Authority*
The APC leaders further expressed alarm over Wike’s alleged statement that “nobody can enter Rivers State,” which they described as a direct challenge to President Tinubu’s authority as Commander-in-Chief.
They warned that declaring Rivers a “no-go area” was “a dangerous provocation that could incite violence, reminiscent of past Niger Delta crises.”
The statement added: “Wike’s words are a direct attack on your presidency, suggesting he views himself above the law and the APC’s hierarchy.”
*Threat of Nationwide Protests*
The groups warned that protests would continue across the country until Wike is removed from office.
“Be informed that we shall proceed with this rally not only at the National Secretariat but across the length and breadth of this country—state by state, local government by local government—until Nyesom Wike is relieved of his appointment as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory,” they declared.
They said the action was in defence of the party, President Tinubu’s leadership and Nigeria’s unity.
Call for Swift Action
The APC Leaders Forum and TSSM said the rally was also held in solidarity with Governor Fubara, Senator Basiru and APC National Chairman, Prof. Yilwatda.
They urged President Tinubu to act decisively, stating: “Sack Wike immediately to send a clear message that no individual is bigger than the party or the nation.”
The statement was jointly signed by Chief Dr. Emeka Okoro, Dr. Adekunle Balogun, Alhaji Ibrahim Yusuf and Mallam Abdulkareem Isiaka, who reaffirmed their loyalty to President Tinubu and commitment to mobilising support for the Renewed Hope Agenda.
