A coalition of leaders within the All Progressives Congress (APC), operating under the APC Leaders Forum (ALF) and the Tinubu/Shettima Solidarity Movement (TSSM), has called for the immediate removal of Nyesom Wike as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The coalition accused the former Rivers State governor of insubordination, anti-party activities, and actions capable of undermining national unity, insisting that his continued stay in the cabinet is incompatible with the values of an APC-led government.
In an open letter dated January 7, 2026, addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu through the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, the groups described Wike’s conduct as detrimental to party cohesion and the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The letter was jointly signed by Emeka Okoro, Adekunle Balogun, Ibrahim Yusuf, and Abdulkareem Isiaka, leaders of the ALF and TSSM, who identified themselves as loyal supporters of President Tinubu.
Members of the coalition also staged a peaceful protest at the APC National Secretariat in Abuja, stating that the demonstration was part of a broader mobilisation to defend party discipline, democratic values, and internal unity.
According to the coalition, Wike who they noted is not a registered member of the APC, has repeatedly attacked the party’s national leadership and weakened its internal structure. They cited remarks allegedly made by the minister during a visit to Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers State on January 5, 2026, where he reportedly accused the APC National Secretary of interfering in Rivers politics for personal reasons.
The group described Wike’s reported warning that those involved would “get their fingers burnt” as intimidatory and a direct affront to the APC National Working Committee.
The coalition further accused Wike of working against Governor Siminalayi Fubara, whom they described as the APC’s duly elected governor in Rivers State.
“Wike’s sustained hostility toward Governor Siminalayi Fubara amounts to political sabotage,” the letter stated, alleging that the minister had publicly ridiculed the governor’s leadership and described his emergence as a mistake to be corrected in 2027.
They warned that such actions could significantly weaken the APC’s influence in Rivers State, which they described as a strategic state for the party’s future electoral success.
Beyond party issues, the coalition also raised concerns over comments attributed to Wike suggesting that no one could enter Rivers State, describing such statements as a challenge to presidential authority and a potential threat to national security.
They argued that any insinuation of restricting access to a Nigerian state undermines the authority of the President as Commander-in-Chief and could inflame tensions in the Niger Delta.
The groups also criticised Wike for allegedly admitting to controlling two political parties simultaneously, describing it as a conflict of interest and a violation of party ethics.
Warning of broader consequences, the coalition said retaining Wike in the cabinet could trigger avoidable crises within the APC as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.
They announced plans to extend their protests nationwide, vowing to organise rallies across states and local government areas until their demand is met.
The coalition urged President Tinubu to demonstrate that no individual is above the party or the nation, while reaffirming their loyalty to his leadership and support for his re-election bid.
