By Moses Okorie
A coalition of leaders within the All Progressives Congress (APC), operating under the banners of the APC Leaders Forum (ALF) and the Tinubu/Shettima Solidarity Movement (TSSM), has called on President Bola Tinubu to remove the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barr. Nyesom Wike, from office, citing alleged insubordination, anti-party conduct, and actions that threaten national cohesion.
In an open letter dated January 7, 2026, addressed to the President through the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, the groups accused Wike of persistently undermining the leadership of the ruling party and challenging the authority of the President.
The coalition staged peaceful rallies at the APC National Secretariat in Abuja, with a pledge to extend the demonstrations across the country until their demand is met.
According to the statement, the call for Wike’s removal was prompted by what the group described as a pattern of confrontational remarks and political interference.
They cited his recent comments during a political tour in Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers State, where he allegedly accused APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, of meddling in state politics for personal gain.
The leaders said the minister’s warning that those who interfere in Rivers affairs would “get their fingers burnt” amounted to intimidation and an affront to the authority of the party’s National Working Committee.
The group further accused Wike of waging a sustained campaign against Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, whom they described as the duly elected APC governor. They alleged that the minister had publicly ridiculed the governor’s leadership and worked to undermine his administration, actions they said constitute anti-party activity.
“These actions, coming from a serving minister in an APC-led government, undermine party unity and weaken the party’s political standing in Rivers State,” the statement said.
Raising concerns over national security, the coalition also criticised what it described as Wike’s inflammatory rhetoric, particularly a reported statement that “nobody can enter Rivers State.” The group said such comments challenge the authority of the Federal Government and could inflame tensions in the Niger Delta region.
Describing Wike’s continued stay in the cabinet as a “political liability,” the leaders argued that his alleged admission of exercising influence over more than one political party while serving in an APC government represents a serious conflict of interest.
They warned that failure to address the situation could deepen internal divisions within the APC and negatively affect the party’s prospects ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“We will continue to mobilise our members nationwide in defence of the party, the President’s leadership, and the unity of the country until this matter is decisively resolved,” the statement said.
The open letter was jointly signed by Chief Dr. Emeka Okoro, South-East State Elder and APC chieftain; Dr. Adekunle Balogun, National Coordinator of the Tinubu/Shettima Solidarity Movement; Alhaji Ibrahim Yusuf, National Youth Vanguard Leader; and Mallam Abdulkareem Isiaka, spokesperson for the coalition.
