President Bola Tinubu has been urged by prominent All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders and various groups to dismiss Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike. This call comes amidst sustained nationwide protests organized by these factions, highlighting significant internal party dissent. The APC Leaders Forum and the Tinubu/Shettima Solidarity Movement were at the forefront of a peaceful demonstration in Abuja, issuing a stern warning that failure to act would lead to continued unrest.
The protest, which began with a rally, strategically moved towards the APC national secretariat. This escalation aimed to exert maximum pressure on the party’s leadership regarding Nyesom Wike’s continued tenure as FCT Minister. In a formally presented open letter to President Tinubu, delivered via APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, the groups leveled accusations of persistent anti-party conduct against Wike. The document bore the signatures of key figures including Chief Dr. Emeka Okoro, Dr. Adekunle Balogun, Alhaji Ibrahim Yusuf, and Mallam Abdulkareem Isiaka, signifying a united front.
Featured snippet paragraph: The core of the protest centers on allegations that Nyesom Wike has engaged in persistent anti-party conduct and undermined the APC’s national leadership, raising concerns about his suitability for a ministerial position in an APC-led government.
The coalition’s grievances are deeply rooted in specific comments allegedly made by Wike on January 5 during a visit to Oyigbo Local Government Area in Rivers State. During this visit, Wike reportedly launched a strong criticism against APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru. The minister accused Basiru of undue interference in the political landscape of Rivers State, a move seen by many within the party as an act of insubordination.
According to the protesting groups, Wike’s controversial remarks included a warning that political “meddlers” would “get their fingers burnt.” He also allegedly described Rivers State as a “no-go area” for certain political actors. These statements were interpreted by the APC factions as a direct and open challenge to President Tinubu’s authority and a pronouncement capable of inciting unrest, particularly within the sensitive Niger Delta region.
A significant point of contention raised by the protesters is the assertion that Nyesom Wike is not a registered member of the APC. This fact, they argue, makes his continued occupation of a key ministerial position within an APC-led administration deeply problematic and inconsistent with party principles. His actions, they contend, represent an open attack on the party’s established hierarchy.
Furthermore, the groups emphasized that Wike’s conduct risks exacerbating existing political tensions within Rivers State. The political climate in the state has been particularly strained since Governor Siminalayi Fubara made a significant defection to the APC late last year. Fubara, who was once considered a close political ally of Wike, has since realigned himself with the ruling party and garnered support from prominent figures like Senator Basiru.
The protesters reaffirmed their unwavering loyalty to President Tinubu and his “Renewed Hope Agenda.” They also stressed their commitment to supporting preparations for his potential future re-election bid. Their message was clear: no single individual, regardless of their position, should be placed above the interests of the party or the overall stability of the country.
The demonstrators issued a clear ultimatum, vowing to escalate their protests by expanding them to include various states and local government areas if Nyesom Wike is not promptly removed from his ministerial post. They warned that a failure to address this issue could lead to deeper internal divisions within the APC and consequently weaken its electoral prospects.
This development underscores the growing internal pressure being exerted on the presidency concerning Wike’s role in Rivers State politics. The situation is complex, as it unfolds despite Wike’s public declarations of support for President Tinubu’s administration.
What is the main reason for the protests against FCT Minister Nyesom Wike? The primary reason for the protests is the allegation by APC leaders and groups that Nyesom Wike has engaged in persistent anti-party conduct and has undermined the APC’s national leadership, despite holding a ministerial position in an APC government.
