Leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), under the aegis of the APC Leaders Forum (ALF) and the Tinubu/Shettima Solidarity Movement (TSSM), on Wednesday staged a peaceful protest in Abuja, demanding the immediate removal of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, over alleged insubordination and anti-party activities.
The groups, in an open letter and press statement addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and routed through the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, accused the former Rivers State governor of attacking the party’s leadership and threatening national unity.
Addressing journalists during the rally, the organisers said their action was driven by “deep concern for the stability of the APC, the security of the nation and the sanctity of democratic principles.”
They described themselves as loyal supporters of President Tinubu and the Renewed Hope Agenda but said they could no longer remain silent over what they termed Wike’s “egregious misconduct.”
According to the statement, Wike’s actions amounted to “a brazen assault on the APC’s leadership, a direct threat to the President’s authority and a dangerous incitement capable of destabilising Rivers State and the Niger Delta.”
The protesters accused the FCT minister of launching “unprovoked attacks” on the APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, despite not being a registered member of the party. They cited comments allegedly made by Wike during a January 5, 2026, visit to Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers State, where he reportedly warned that those interfering in Rivers politics would “get their fingers burnt.”
They also accused Wike of persistently attacking Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, describing his actions as political sabotage and anti-party conduct capable of weakening the APC’s prospects in the state.
The groups further faulted Wike over an alleged statement that “nobody can enter Rivers State,” describing it as a challenge to President Tinubu’s authority as Commander-in-Chief and a dangerous provocation.
They warned that protests would spread nationwide if Wike was not removed from office, insisting that no individual was bigger than the party or the nation.
The statement, jointly signed by Chief Dr Emeka Okoro, Dr Adekunle Balogun, Alhaji Ibrahim Yusuf and Mallam Abdulkareem Isiaka, urged President Tinubu to act swiftly in defence of party unity, national peace and democratic order.
