A significant political dispute has erupted between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibola Basiru, concerning the escalating political situation in Rivers State. The verbal clash intensified as both prominent figures issued strong warnings and counter-accusations, highlighting deep-seated tensions within Nigeria's political landscape.

The conflict originated after the APC national scribe, Senator Basiru, chastised the APC Vice Chairman (South-South) for referring to Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who reportedly recently joined the APC, as "the so-called Governor" during Minister Wike's visit to Khana/Gokana local government area. In a swift response during a "thank-you" visit to Oyigbo local government area in Rivers State, Minister Wike vehemently warned Senator Basiru to desist from interfering in Rivers State politics. Wike declared Rivers State a "no-go area" for external political meddling and cautioned Basiru to be mindful of his statements, drawing parallels to others who had previously attempted to meddle and faced negative consequences. He further alleged that the APC had received funds from a substantial N600 billion left in the state's coffers, implying that such perceived financial gains fueled unwarranted interference. Wike stressed that the support given to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should not be taken for granted and that those meddling in Rivers affairs might find their "hands burnt."

Senator Basiru, however, quickly rebutted Wike’s assertions, defending his actions as within the scope of his duties as the APC National Secretary. Basiru emphasized that his office mandates him to protect the interests of the party, its members, and its structures nationwide, asserting that his comments on Rivers APC affairs were not an undue interference and could not be confined to his home state of Osun. He expressed shock at what he described as Wike’s "uncouth responses" to his "innocuous statement" advocating for respect for Governor Fubara. Basiru highlighted a critical point: Minister Nyesom Wike is not officially a member of the APC, and therefore, he lacks the legitimate authority (locus standi) to interfere in the internal affairs of the party. He firmly stated that Wike cannot hold a position in the Federal Executive Council of an APC government while simultaneously causing confusion within any organ or structure of the party.

The APC chief scribe vehemently denied Wike's "cheap blackmail" regarding the N600 billion allegation, challenging Wike to provide proof or face legal action, citing his own track record of "unquestionable integrity." Basiru also dismissed Wike's "veiled threat," reminding the FCT Minister that he is "not God" and asserted his own history of confronting military rule for democracy, a period when Wike was "nowhere in sight." Basiru unequivocally stated that Wike’s support for President Tinubu does not automatically grant him APC membership, distinguishing his support from millions of other non-APC Nigerians who also back the President. He warned that any attempts by Wike to destabilize the APC in Rivers State or introduce the "spirit of PDP into the APC" would not be tolerated. In a direct challenge, Basiru advised Minister Wike that the "honourable thing to do" would be to resign his ministerial appointment if he persists in causing confusion within the APC while serving in an APC-led government.

This ongoing confrontation underscores a significant power struggle and ideological divergence between key political figures, raising questions about party discipline, inter-party relations, and the influence of ministerial appointments on state-level politics. The exchange reveals deep rifts that could have broader implications for political stability and party unity, particularly in the run-up to future elections.