APC Leaders, Tinubu–Shettima Allies Call for Wike’s Removal

A coalition of leaders within the All Progressives Congress (APC) has demanded the immediate removal of Nyesom Wike as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), accusing him of insubordination, anti-party activities, and conduct they claim threatens national unity. The call was made under the banner of the APC Leaders Forum (ALF) and the Tinubu/Shettima Solidarity Movement (TSSM) in a strongly worded open letter dated January 7, 2026.

Addressed to President Bola Tinubu through the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, the letter was made public on Wednesday as members staged a peaceful rally at the APC National Secretariat in Abuja. The groups said the protest was aimed at defending party discipline, democratic values, and the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, warning that Wike’s continued stay in the cabinet was incompatible with APC principles.

Signed by Dr. Emeka Okoro, Dr. Adekunle Balogun, Ibrahim Yusuf, and Abdulkareem Isiaka, the coalition accused the former Rivers State governor—who they noted is not a registered APC member—of launching sustained attacks on the party’s national leadership. They cited remarks allegedly made by Wike in the Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers State on January 5, 2026, where he reportedly accused APC National Secretary Senator Ajibola Basiru of interfering in state politics, describing the comments as intimidation and a violation of cabinet discipline.

The APC leaders also alleged that Wike has worked against the APC-led government in Rivers State by persistently attacking Governor Siminalayi Fubara, whom they described as the party’s duly elected governor. According to the letter, Wike’s public criticism of Fubara’s leadership and comments suggesting his election should be reversed in 2027 amounted to political sabotage that could weaken the party’s foothold in the strategic Niger Delta ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Additionally, the groups accused Wike of making statements they said challenged presidential authority and national security, including remarks interpreted as suggesting Rivers State was a no-go area. Warning that such rhetoric could inflame tensions, the coalition urged President Tinubu to act decisively, announcing plans to expand protests nationwide while reaffirming their support for the President and his re-election bid.