Jane salihu
The National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibola Basiru, has advised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to desist from comments and actions that, in his view, amount to interference in the internal affairs of the ruling party.
In a statement issued on Monday, Senator Basiru said his attention was drawn to what he described as unwarranted remarks by the FCT Minister against his person and office following his recent comments on party leadership structures. According to him, his position that sitting governors should be accorded due respect as leaders of the party in their respective states was a standard party principle and not intended to provoke controversy.
The APC National Secretary noted that available party records indicate that Minister Wike is not a registered member of the APC and, therefore, lacks the standing to intervene in the party’s internal matters. He emphasized that, as National Secretary, his constitutional responsibility covers the protection of the interests of the party and its members nationwide, and is not limited to his home state.
Reacting to allegations linking him and other APC leaders to an alleged N600 billion fund in Rivers State, Senator Basiru dismissed the claim as baseless and a distraction, described the allegation as unfounded and challenged the minister to substantiate it, stressing that his public service record is rooted in integrity and accountability.
Senator Basiru also downplayed what he termed veiled threats against him, reaffirming his commitment to democratic ideals and noting his longstanding involvement in the struggle for democracy in Nigeria, maintaining that political disagreements should be handled with civility and respect for institutional roles.
While acknowledging Minister Wike’s support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senator Basiru clarified that such support does not equate to membership of the APC, adding that many Nigerians outside the party also support the President, cautioned against actions that could undermine party unity, particularly in Rivers State.
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