News Rendezvous

Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have issued a stern warning to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, demanding an immediate retraction and public apology over comments allegedly made against the party’s National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru.

In a strongly worded statement released on Tuesday, by the pioneer northeast vice president of the APC, Umar Duhu, the APC stakeholders described Wike’s remarks as “uncalled for, inappropriate, and a breach of political protocol,” stressing that the ruling party would not tolerate conduct capable of undermining its leadership or internal cohesion.

The group emphasized that unlike other political parties, the APC maintains strict standards of discipline and respect among public office holders, particularly those serving in the current administration.

“As a serving minister in an APC-led government, Mr. Wike has a responsibility to uphold decorum and respect the boundaries of his office,” the statement said, noting that the minister is not a registered member of the APC and therefore lacks the standing to interfere in the party’s internal affairs.

The stakeholders further condemned what they described as threats and intimidation directed at the National Secretary, warning that such actions could amount to abuse of office if allowed to persist.

Reiterating the party’s zero-tolerance stance on indiscipline, the group demanded an immediate retraction of the alleged statements and a formal apology to the APC and its National Secretary.

They warned that failure to comply would attract “swift and decisive actions,” including filing a formal complaint to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, instituting legal proceedings for defamation and abuse of office, and seeking disciplinary measures against the minister.

The statement also raised concerns about Wike’s continued role in the Federal Executive Council, describing his rhetoric as divisive and potentially damaging to the President’s re-election prospects.

According to the stakeholders, the minister’s frequent political engagements in Rivers State and ongoing disputes there have become a distraction to the administration, urging him to consider stepping aside to address his local political challenges.

They further clarified that the relationship between Senator Basiru and the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy is based on mutual respect and equality, dismissing claims of superiority or subservience as misleading and inappropriate.

“The APC will not be intimidated or blackmailed,” the statement concluded. “We remain resolute in defending the integrity of the party and the dignity of its leadership.”