Leaders within the All Progressives Congress APC have issued a strong warning to President Bola Tinubu, urging him to sack the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, or risk facing sustained nationwide protests.
The warning was delivered by several pro-APC groups, including the APC Leaders Forum and the Tinubu/Shettima Solidarity Movement, during a peaceful but highly symbolic protest held in Abuja on Wednesday.
Protest moves to APC secretariat
Following the rally, the protesters marched from the protest ground to the APC national secretariat, intensifying pressure on the party’s national leadership over Wike’s continued appointment as FCT Minister.
The demonstrators submitted an open letter addressed to President Tinubu through the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, outlining their grievances and demands.
In the letter, the groups accused Wike of repeated acts of anti-party behaviour, insubordination, and conduct unbecoming of a minister serving under an APC-led administration.
The open letter was jointly signed by prominent figures including Chief Dr. Emeka Okoro, Dr. Adekunle Balogun, Alhaji Ibrahim Yusuf, and Mallam Abdulkareem Isiaka, all representing different APC-aligned coalitions.
Allegations of insubordination
According to the coalition, Wike has on several occasions undermined the authority of the APC’s national leadership and engaged in actions they believe could threaten internal party cohesion and national unity.
Their concerns were heightened by comments allegedly made by Wike on January 5 during a visit to Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers State.
During that visit, the FCT Minister was said to have openly criticised the APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, accusing him of meddling in Rivers State political affairs.
Controversial remarks raise concern
The protesting groups further alleged that Wike warned certain political actors that they would “get their fingers burnt” and described Rivers State as a “no-go area” for some individuals.
They interpreted these remarks as a direct affront to President Tinubu’s authority and a statement capable of escalating political tension and unrest in the Niger Delta region.
The groups also emphasized that Wike is not a registered member of the APC, despite occupying a strategic ministerial position within an APC-controlled federal government.
Rivers politics under spotlight
According to the protesters, Wike’s actions amount to an open challenge to the party’s hierarchy and could further destabilize the already fragile political situation in Rivers State.
They noted that political tension in the state has increased since Governor Siminalayi Fubara defected to the APC late last year.
Fubara, who was once considered a close political ally of Wike, has since aligned himself more closely with the ruling party and received open support from APC leaders, including Senator Ajibola Basiru.
Loyalty to Tinubu reiterated
The groups reaffirmed their unwavering loyalty to President Tinubu and his Renewed Hope Agenda, describing it as the foundation for national stability and development.
They also pledged their commitment to supporting Tinubu’s future political ambitions, including preparations for his re-election bid.
However, they warned that no individual, regardless of influence or political history, should be placed above the party’s principles or the country’s peace and unity.
Protest threat continues
The demonstrators vowed to escalate their actions by extending protests to states and local government areas across the country if Wike is not removed from office.
They cautioned that failure to address their concerns could deepen internal divisions within the APC and weaken the party’s electoral strength ahead of future elections.
The development highlights growing internal pressure on the presidency over Nyesom Wike’s role in Rivers State politics, despite his public show of support for President Tinubu and the APC-led government.