APC groups call for Wike’s sack as FCT minister

A coalition of leaders within the All Progressives Congress (APC), under the banner of the APC Leaders Forum (ALF) and the Tinubu/Shettima Solidarity Movement (TSSM), has demanded the immediate removal of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, accusing him of insubordination, anti-party conduct and actions capable of undermining national unity.

In a strongly worded open letter dated 7 January 2026 and addressed to President Bola Tinubu through Nentawe Yilwatda, the APC National Chairman, the groups said Wike’s conduct was incompatible with his continued membership of the cabinet of an APC-led government.

The letter, jointly signed by leaders of the two groups, was made public during a peaceful rally at the APC National Secretariat in Abuja.

The coalition said the protest formed part of a wider mobilisation to “defend party integrity, democratic values and the Renewed Hope Agenda” of the Tinubu administration.

The signatories; Emeka Okoro, Adekunle Balogun, Ibrahim Yusuf and Abdulkareem Isiaka who described themselves as loyal supporters of President Tinubu, said their intervention was prompted by what they termed “egregious misconduct” by the former Rivers State governor, warning that continued silence could threaten party cohesion and national stability.

At the heart of their petition are allegations that Wike, who they noted is not formally registered as a member of the APC, has consistently attacked the party’s national leadership.

They referenced remarks allegedly made by the minister during a visit to Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers State on 5 January 2026, where he was said to have accused the APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, of interfering in Rivers politics for personal gain.

According to the letter, Wike’s comments; including a warning that those meddling in Rivers affairs would “get their fingers burnt,” amounted to intimidation and a direct affront to the APC National Working Committee.

The groups argued that such statements undermined party authority and violated the discipline expected of a serving minister.

The coalition further accused Wike of working against the APC in Rivers State, alleging that he has persistently attacked Governor Siminalayi Fubara, whom they described as the party’s duly elected governor in the state.

They claimed the minister had publicly ridiculed Fubara’s leadership, questioned the legitimacy of his emergence and openly suggested that his election should be reversed in 2027.

The letter partly read: “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.”

It added, “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?”

They warned that such actions amounted to political sabotage and could erode the party’s foothold in the strategically important Niger Delta state.

The groups also accused Wike of making statements they said posed a challenge to presidential authority and national security, citing remarks attributed to him suggesting that “nobody can enter Rivers State,” which they interpreted as an attempt to declare the state a no-go area for perceived opponents.

Describing the comments as a veiled threat, the coalition cautioned that such rhetoric could inflame tensions in the Niger Delta and embolden lawlessness, arguing that any suggestion of restricting access to a Nigerian state was an affront to the authority of the President as Commander-in-Chief.

They further criticised the minister for allegedly admitting to controlling “two political parties” while serving in the cabinet, describing this as a clear conflict of interest and a violation of party ethics.

Warning that Wike’s continued stay in government could plunge the APC into avoidable crises ahead of the 2027 general elections, the groups urged President Tinubu to act decisively.

They also announced plans to take their protests nationwide, vowing to mobilise rallies across states and local government areas until the minister is relieved of his appointment.

While calling for swift action, the signatories reaffirmed their loyalty to President Tinubu, urging him to demonstrate that no individual is above the party or the country, even as they pledged support for his leadership and re-election bid.(BusinessDay)