Joel Ajayi

A coalition of leaders within the All Progressives Congress (APC), operating under the banners of the APC Leaders Forum (ALF) and the Tinubu/Shettima Solidarity Movement (TSSM), has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to remove the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barr. Nyesom Wike, from office, citing alleged insubordination, anti-party conduct, and actions that threaten national cohesion.

In an open letter dated January 7, 2026, addressed to the President through the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, the groups accused Wike of persistently undermining the leadership of the ruling party and challenging the authority of the President.

The coalition staged peaceful rallies at the APC National Secretariat in Abuja, with a pledge to extend the demonstrations across the country until their demand is met.

According to the statement, the call for Wike’s removal was prompted by what the group described as a pattern of confrontational remarks and political interference. They cited his recent comments during a political tour in Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers State, where he allegedly accused APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, of meddling in state politics for personal gain.

The leaders said the minister’s warning that those who interfere in Rivers affairs would “get their fingers burnt” amounted to intimidation and an affront to the authority of the party’s National Working Committee.

The group further accused Wike of waging a sustained campaign against Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, whom they described as the duly elected APC governor. They alleged that the minister had publicly ridiculed the governor’s leadership and worked to undermine his administration, actions they said constitute anti-party activity.

“These actions, coming from a serving minister in an APC-led government, undermine party unity and weaken the party’s political standing in Rivers State,” the statement said.

Raising concerns over national security, the coalition also criticised what it described as Wike’s inflammatory rhetoric, particularly a reported statement that “nobody can enter Rivers State.” The group said such comments challenge the authority of the Federal Government and could inflame tensions in the Niger Delta region.

Describing Wike’s continued stay in the cabinet as a “political liability,” the leaders argued that his alleged admission of exercising influence over more than one political party while serving in an APC government represents a serious conflict of interest.

They warned that failure to address the situation could deepen internal divisions within the APC and negatively affect the party’s prospects ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“We will continue to mobilise our members nationwide in defence of the party, the President’s leadership, and the unity of the country until this matter is decisively resolved,” the statement said.

The open letter was jointly signed by Chief Dr. Emeka Okoro, South-East State Elder and APC chieftain; Dr. Adekunle Balogun, National Coordinator of the Tinubu/Shettima Solidarity Movement; Alhaji Ibrahim Yusuf, National Youth Vanguard Leader; and Mallam Abdulkareem Isiaka, spokesperson for the coalition.

The Statement reads:
As steadfast supporters of your administration and the Renewed Hope Agenda, we have stood by you through thick and thin, mobilizing grassroots support for the APC’s successes in the 2023 elections and beyond. However, we can no longer remain silent in the face of egregious misconduct by one of your appointees, Mr. Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. 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.

Let us outline the litany of offenses that compel this urgent action:
A) Insults and Attacks on APC National Leadership: Wike, who is not even a registered member of the APC despite serving in your cabinet, has launched vicious, unprovoked attacks on our National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru. During his so-called “thank-you tour” in Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers State on January 5, 2026, Wike accused Basiru of meddling in Rivers politics solely for personal gain, insinuating that Basiru is eyeing the state’s purported N600 billion resources. He went further to issue veiled threats, warning that anyone interfering in Rivers would “get their fingers burnt.” This is not only an insult to Basiru’s integrity but a direct affront to the entire APC National Working Committee, including our National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, whose leadership Wike has indirectly undermined by attempting to dictate party affairs in Rivers State as if he were its godfather. Such arrogance from a non-member is intolerable and erodes the party’s discipline.

B) Relentless Attacks on the APC Governor of Rivers State: Wike’s ongoing vendetta against Governor Siminalayi Fubara, our duly elected APC Governor in Rivers State, is nothing short of political sabotage. He has repeatedly mocked Fubara’s leadership, called his emergence a “mistake” to be corrected in 2027, and accused him of betrayal and incompetence. These attacks have escalated in recent weeks, with Wike touring local governments to incite division and undermine Fubara’s administration. 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. How can we trust a man who actively works against our own governor while enjoying the privileges of your administration?

C) Direct Threat to Your Excellency and National Security: Perhaps most alarmingly, Wike’s inflammatory statement that “nobody can enter Rivers State” is a thinly veiled threat to your authority as Commander-in-Chief. Declaring Rivers a “no-go area” for perceived opponents, including APC leaders, implies a blockade against federal intervention and challenges the sovereignty of the Nigerian state. This is not mere rhetoric; it is a dangerous provocation that could incite violence, reminiscent of past Niger Delta crises. As President, you have the right—and duty—to access any part of Nigeria without hindrance. Wike’s words are a direct attack on your presidency, suggesting he views himself above the law and the APC’s hierarchy. We cannot allow such impunity to fester, as it risks emboldening separatist elements and destabilizing the region.

Your Excellency, Wike’s presence in your cabinet is a liability that the APC can no longer afford. He has openly admitted to controlling “two political parties” while serving in an APC government, a clear conflict of interest that mocks our party’s constitution. His obsession with Rivers politics has distracted from his ministerial duties, and his threats have drawn battle lines within the party. We echo the calls from our National Secretary and other leaders: Wike must go, or he will drag the APC into unnecessary turmoil ahead of 2027 cost us victory at the General elections (God forbid).

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. This is a solemn commitment we make in defence of the party, your leadership, and the unity of Nigeria. We shall not relent until justice is served and the voice of the people is respected.

Today we are gathering in solidarity with you, Governor Fubara, Senator Basiru, and Chairman Yilwatda to reaffirm our commitment to the APC’s unity and your re-election bid. We urge you to act swiftly—sack Wike immediately to send a clear message that no individual is bigger than the party or the nation.

We remain your loyal supporters, ready to mobilize for the Renewed Hope Agenda.

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