APC Leaders Stage Protest Demands Immediate Sack Of FCT Minister Nyesome Wike

Leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), operating under the APC Leaders Forum (ALF) and the Tinubu/Shettima Solidarity Movement (TSSM), on Wednesday staged a protest in Abuja calling for the immediate dismissal of Nyesom Wike as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

In a letter and press release addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and delivered through the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, the groups accused Wike of disloyalty, repeated attacks on party leadership and actions they believe threaten national unity.

Addressing journalists during the peaceful rally, the protesters said their demonstration was motivated by concerns about party stability, national security and the protection of democratic values. They described themselves as committed supporters of President Tinubu and his Renewed Hope Agenda.

According to the groups, Wike’s behaviour constitutes “serious misconduct” that weakens party unity and challenges the President’s authority. They claimed his actions amount to a direct attack on APC leadership and could potentially destabilise Rivers State and the entire Niger Delta region.

The protesters further alleged that Wike had launched “unwarranted and hostile” verbal attacks on APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, despite not being a registered member of the ruling party. They cited comments allegedly made by Wike during a visit to Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers State on January 5, 2026, where he reportedly accused Basiru of meddling in state affairs and warned that those involved would “face consequences.”

They said such remarks were disrespectful to the party’s national leadership and an insult to the APC National Working Committee.

Additionally, the groups accused Wike of consistently attacking Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, claiming he mocked the governor’s leadership, labelled his election a mistake and vowed to reverse it in 2027. They said these actions amount to anti-party conduct capable of damaging the APC’s chances in Rivers State.

The rally organisers also expressed concern over Wike’s alleged statement that “nobody can enter Rivers State,” describing it as a challenge to President Tinubu’s authority as Commander-in-Chief. They warned that such comments could trigger unrest and revive painful memories of past conflicts in the Niger Delta.

The groups vowed to continue protests across the country if their demands are ignored, stating that demonstrations would spread to states and local government areas until Wike is removed from office. They said their actions were aimed at defending party discipline, national unity and the President’s leadership.

ALF and TSSM said the rally was also held in support of Governor Fubara, Senator Basiru and APC National Chairman Prof. Yilwatda. They urged President Tinubu to take firm action, stressing that removing Wike would demonstrate that no individual is above 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 their commitment to promoting the Renewed Hope Agenda.