Leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), under the banners of the APC Leaders Forum (ALF) and the Tinubu/Shettima Solidarity Movement (TSSM), on Wednesday held a protest rally in Abuja, demanding the immediate removal of Nyesom Wike as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
In an open letter and press statement addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and conveyed through the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, the groups accused Wike of insubordination, sustained attacks on party leadership and actions they said pose a threat to national unity.
Speaking to journalists during the peaceful demonstration, the APC leaders said the rally was driven by concern for the stability of the ruling party, national security and the protection of democratic principles. They described themselves as loyal supporters of President Tinubu and his Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to them, Wike’s conduct amounted to “grave misconduct” that undermines party cohesion and challenges the authority of the President. The groups claimed his actions represented a direct assault on the APC leadership and a dangerous provocation capable of destabilising Rivers State and the wider Niger Delta region.
The protesters also accused the FCT minister of launching “unprovoked and hostile attacks” on the APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, despite not being a registered member of the ruling party. They referenced remarks allegedly made by Wike during a January 5, 2026, visit to Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers State, where he reportedly accused Basiru of interfering in state politics and warned that those involved would “get their fingers burnt.”
They said such comments were insulting to the party’s national leadership and constituted a direct affront to the APC National Working Committee.
In addition, the groups accused Wike of persistently attacking Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, alleging that he mocked the governor’s leadership, described his emergence as a mistake and vowed it would be corrected in 2027. They said these actions amounted to anti-party behaviour that could weaken the APC’s political fortunes in Rivers State.
The rally leaders further expressed concern over Wike’s alleged declaration that “nobody can enter Rivers State,” describing it as a challenge to the President’s authority as Commander-in-Chief. They warned that such statements could inflame tensions and revive memories of past unrest in the Niger Delta.
The groups vowed to sustain protests nationwide if their demand is ignored, stating that demonstrations would continue across states and local governments until Wike is removed from office. They maintained that their actions were in defence of party discipline, national unity and the President’s leadership.
The APC Leaders Forum and TSSM said the rally was also organised in solidarity with Governor Fubara, Senator Basiru and APC National Chairman Prof. Yilwatda. They urged President Tinubu to act decisively, insisting that removing Wike would send a clear message that no individual is bigger than the party or the nation.
The statement was jointly signed by Chief Dr. Emeka Okoro, Dr. Adekunle Balogun, Alhaji Ibrahim Yusuf and Mallam Abdulkareem Isiaka, who reaffirmed their loyalty to President Tinubu and commitment to advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda
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