A coalition of All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders under the APC Leaders Forum (ALF) and the Tinubu/Shettima Solidarity Movement (TSSM) has called for the immediate removal of Nyesom Wike as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), accusing him of insubordination, anti‑party activities, and conduct they say threatens national unity.
The groups, in an open letter dated January 7, 2026, addressed to President Bola Tinubu through the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, described actions by the former Rivers State governor as incompatible with his continued service in an APC‑led government.
The jointly signed letter was made public on Wednesday as members of the coalition staged a peaceful rally at the APC National Secretariat in Abuja.
The demonstration, they said, was part of a wider mobilisation to “defend party integrity, democratic values and the Renewed Hope Agenda” of the Tinubu administration.
The letter was signed by ALF and TSSM leaders, Emeka Okoro, Adekunle Balogun, Ibrahim Yusuf, and Abdulkareem Isiaka, all of whom described themselves as loyal supporters of President Tinubu.
Central to the group’s grievances are allegations that Wike, who is not formally registered as a member of the APC, has consistently attacked the party’s national leadership and undermined its cohesion.
They cited comments allegedly made by Wike during a visit to Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers State on January 5, 2026, in which he reportedly accused the APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, of interfering in Rivers politics for personal gain.
According to the letter, Wike’s warning that those meddling in Rivers affairs would “get their fingers burnt” was viewed as intimidation and a “direct insult” to the APC National Working Committee.
The coalition also alleged that Wike has actively worked against Governor Siminalayi Fubara, whom they described as the party’s duly elected governor in Rivers State.
The letter partly reads, “Wike’s ongoing vendetta against Governor Siminalayi Fubara… is nothing short of political sabotage. He has repeatedly mocked Fubara’s leadership, called his emergence a ‘mistake’ to be corrected in 2027, and accused him of betrayal and incompetence.”
The groups warned that such actions, if allowed to persist, would weaken the APC’s foothold in Rivers, a state they consider key to the party’s future electoral success.
Beyond party politics, the coalition accused Wike of making statements they interpreted as challenges to presidential authority and national security, including remarks suggesting that nobody can enter Rivers State.
Describing the comments as a veiled threat, the groups cautioned that such rhetoric could inflame tensions in the Niger Delta and embolden lawlessness.
They argued that any suggestion of restricting access to a Nigerian state was an affront to the President’s authority as Commander‑in‑Chief.
The APC leaders further criticised Wike for allegedly admitting to controlling “two political parties” while serving as a minister, calling it a “clear conflict of interest” and a violation of party ethics.
They warned that retaining him in the cabinet could plunge the APC into avoidable crises as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.
The coalition leaders also announced plans to extend their protests nationwide, vowing to mobilise rallies across states and local government areas until the minister is relieved of his appointment.
They urged President Tinubu to show that no individual is above the party or the country, reaffirming their support for his leadership and re‑election bid.
