A coalition of leaders within the All Progressives Congress, known as the APC Leaders Forum and the Tinubu/Shettima Solidarity Movement, has issued a strongly worded open letter calling for Nyesom Wike's immediate removal as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, citing alleged insubordination, anti-party activities, and threats to national unity.In an open letter dated January 7, 2026, and delivered to President Bola Tinubu through the APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, the groups accused Wike of activities that were incompatible with his ongoing appointment to an APC-led cabinet.
The letter, signed by leaders from both groups, was made public on Wednesday as members held a peaceful rally at the APC National Secretariat in Abuja. According to the groups, the rally was part of a larger mobilization to "defend party integrity, democratic values, and the Renewed Hope Agenda" of the Tinubu administration.
The signatories, Emeka Okoro, Adekunle Balogun, Ibrahim Yusuf, and Abdulkareem Isiaka, described themselves as loyal supporters of President Tinubu. They said their decision to speak out was motivated by what they called "egregious misconduct" by the former Rivers State governor, warning that silence could jeopardize party unity and national stability.
The signatories, Emeka Okoro, Adekunle Balogun, Ibrahim Yusuf, and Abdulkareem Isiaka, described themselves as loyal supporters of President Tinubu. They said their decision to speak out was motivated by what they called "egregious misconduct" by the former Rivers State governor, warning that silence could jeopardize party unity and national stability.
Their objections centred on charges that Wike, who is not technically registered as an APC member, has repeatedly attacked the party's national leadership.
They highlighted Wike's purported utterances during a visit to Rivers State's Oyigbo Local Government Area on January 5, 2026, in which he accused the APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, of intervening in Rivers politics for personal gain.
According to the letter, Wike's comments, including a threat that people meddling in Rivers affairs would "get their fingers burnt," were an intimidation tactic and a blatant affront to the APC National Working Committee. The groups said that such utterances weakened the authority of the party leadership and breached the discipline expected of a serving minister.
They highlighted Wike's purported utterances during a visit to Rivers State's Oyigbo Local Government Area on January 5, 2026, in which he accused the APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, of intervening in Rivers politics for personal gain.
According to the letter, Wike's comments, including a threat that people meddling in Rivers affairs would "get their fingers burnt," were an intimidation tactic and a blatant affront to the APC National Working Committee. The groups said that such utterances weakened the authority of the party leadership and breached the discipline expected of a serving minister.
The alliance also accused Wike of working against the APC-led government in Rivers State, claiming that he repeatedly insulted Governor Siminalayi Fubara, whom they characterized as the party's legitimately elected governor in the state. They alleged Wike repeatedly mocked Fubara's leadership, questioned his legitimacy, and openly recommended that his election be annulled in 2027.
The letter said in part, "Wike's ongoing vendetta against Governor Siminalayi Fubara, our duly elected APC Governor in Rivers State, is nothing short of political sabotage." He has regularly insulted Fubara's leadership, labelling it a'mistake' that will be reversed in 2027, and accusing him of treason and incompetence. These attacks have increased in recent weeks, with Wike touring local administrations to stir dissension and weaken Fubara's administration.
The letter said in part, "Wike's ongoing vendetta against Governor Siminalayi Fubara, our duly elected APC Governor in Rivers State, is nothing short of political sabotage." He has regularly insulted Fubara's leadership, labelling it a'mistake' that will be reversed in 2027, and accusing him of treason and incompetence. These attacks have increased in recent weeks, with Wike touring local administrations to stir dissension and weaken Fubara's administration.
"As a minister in an APC-led administration, Wike's acts are anti-party activities that undermine our hold on Rivers State—a critical battleground for the APC's future electoral success. How can we trust a man who openly opposes our own governor while enjoying the benefits of your administration?"
They contended that such behaviour constituted political sabotage and anti-party activities, particularly coming from an APC minister, and warned that it may erode the party's presence in the strategically crucial Niger Delta state.
The groups also accused Wike of making statements that directly questioned presidential authority and national security. They cited comments reported to him stating that "nobody can enter Rivers State," which they took as an attempt to designate the state a no-go zone for perceived opponents.
The groups described the words as a disguised threat, warning that such rhetoric might exacerbate tensions in the Niger Delta and encourage lawlessness. They maintained that any idea of banning access to a Nigerian state violated the President's authority as Commander-in-Chief.
The groups described the words as a disguised threat, warning that such rhetoric might exacerbate tensions in the Niger Delta and encourage lawlessness. They maintained that any idea of banning access to a Nigerian state violated the President's authority as Commander-in-Chief.
The APC leaders also chastised Wike for purportedly confessing to controlling "two political parties" while serving as minister, calling it a blatant conflict of interest and a violation of party ethics.
They cautioned that keeping Wike in the cabinet will throw the APC into needless difficulties ahead of the 2027 general elections, and urged President Tinubu to act decisively.
The groups have declared intentions to expand their protests countrywide, vowing to hold rallies throughout states and local governments until the Minister is removed from his position.
While calling for immediate action, the signatories asked the President to show that no individual is above the party or the country, reaffirming their support for Tinubu's leadership and re-election effort.
They cautioned that keeping Wike in the cabinet will throw the APC into needless difficulties ahead of the 2027 general elections, and urged President Tinubu to act decisively.
The groups have declared intentions to expand their protests countrywide, vowing to hold rallies throughout states and local governments until the Minister is removed from his position.
While calling for immediate action, the signatories asked the President to show that no individual is above the party or the country, reaffirming their support for Tinubu's leadership and re-election effort.
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