Bashir Ahmad, a former media aide to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, has cautioned Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, against attempts to disrupt the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), emphasizing that the “spirit” of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is unwelcome in the party.
Ahmad’s warning, posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, comes amid an escalating verbal exchange between Wike and APC National Secretary, Senator Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru, over the party’s affairs in Rivers State.
Quoting Basiru’s earlier remarks, Ahmad wrote: “The National Secretary of the APC, Senator Ajibola Basiru has reminded Nyesom Wike that his support for President Bola Tinubu does not automatically make him a member of the APC. Millions of non-APC Nigerians also support Mr. President and his own is no different.
“His attempt to destabilise the Party in Rivers State will not be tolerated and he cannot bring the spirit of PDP into the APC.”
The feud stems from Basiru’s criticism of comments by APC South-South Vice Chairman Victor Giadom, who reportedly referred to Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara — an APC-aligned figure — in derogatory terms. Basiru defended the governor’s office, stressing respect for sitting governors regardless of political differences.
Wike, a PDP member who backed President Tinubu in the 2023 elections and was appointed FCT minister, responded sharply, warning Basiru to “steer clear” of Rivers politics, adding that “your hands might get burnt.”
Basiru fired back, urging Wike to resign from the cabinet if he wishes to continue interfering in APC matters, reiterating that party records show Wike is not a member and thus lacks standing to meddle.
The exchange highlights ongoing tensions in Rivers State politics, where Wike’s influence clashes with APC structures supporting Governor Fubara and other elected officials aligned with the ruling party.
Ahmad, known for his staunch APC loyalty, has previously commented on the strategic shift by Rivers APC figures away from Wike’s camp, noting it strengthens the party’s position ahead of future elections.
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