Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has warned APC National Secretary Ajibola Basiru against involving himself in Rivers State politics.
Gatekeepers News reports that the warning came after Victor Giadom, APC’s South-South national vice-chairman, praised Wike amid tensions with Governor Siminalayi Fubara, asserting the minister remains pivotal in Rivers politics.
Giadom had said, “To the so-called governor of Rivers state, to win anything in this state, you must go through Wike.”
Basiru reacted to Giadom’s comments, calling them disrespectful to Governor Fubara and inappropriate for a party official.
He said, “I find it unfortunate that a member of the NWC, who is the vice-chairman of the south-south zone of the APC, was referring to a Governor in our party as a ‘so-called governor of Rivers State.’ “
“No matter what his allegiances are to anybody, it is unbecoming of somebody holding such a sensitive position, and it should not be encouraged by anybody.”
Speaking on Monday at a stakeholders’ meeting in Oyigbo LGA, Wike issued a stern warning to Basiru. He said, “Victor (Giadom) Tony Okocha, I want to say it here – take this message to the national secretary to leave Rivers state alone.”
“Go and ask those who have tried it before. Don’t take our support for Mr President for granted. You have to be careful with the statements you make.”
Wike also reminded Basiru of the efforts of those who had worked in Rivers, saying, “Today, you are enjoying in Osun, you don’t know those who did the work. Now you open your mouth to talk about Rivers state. Anything you see, take it.”
He indicated that he would discuss the matter with President Bola Tinubu and instructed that Basiru be cautioned.
Wike said, “Carrying your hands to Rivers state, if they burn, don’t say I burnt it. I can challenge anybody; this state is a no-go area, whether you like it or not. Don’t dare. So, stop making unnecessary comments.”
The minister had previously begun campaigning against Fubara’s re-election after the governor moved from the PDP to the APC in December 2025.
Wike accused Fubara of reneging on an agreement they signed before the lifting of emergency rule in Rivers State, reinforcing his position as a key player in state politics.
