The factional leadership of the People Democratic Party (PDP), South South Zone has slammed Ajibola Basiru, the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress over his remarks against Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Prince Etim Isong the Zonal Publicity Secretary for the PDP South South Zone said the personal attack on Wike by Basiru is not only inappropriate but also detrimental to President Bola Tinubu’s administration and to the prospects of his re-election bid in 2027.
Isong said the PDP is perplexed that Basiru who could not produce a Governor for the APC in his home State in Osun during the 2023 election had the effrontery to advocate for the protection of the interest of a defected Governor of Rivers State – who was produced by Wike’s efforts.
He also stated that the party is also worried that in a country where the National Chairman of a ruling party could face a threat to his life in the North for merely suggesting a re-election of President Tinubu in 2027, Basiru could undermine Rivers which is a strong support base for Tinubu.
“In fact, to imply that Minister Wike’s support for President Tinubu is no different from that of other non-APC supporters is a clear indicator of amateurish political judgment by a person holding a revered office as National Secretary of a ruling party.
“Senator Bashiru’s call for the resignation of a performing Minister like Nyesom Wike portrays him as an opponent of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and an enemy of the Nigerian State. It clearly illustrates his unfitness to serve in such a prestigious role as National Secretary of the ruling party. It is essential that he resign immediately.
“Furthermore, Senator Bashiru’s attempts to employ divide-and-rule tactics in Rivers State politics are bound to fail, as he lacks the necessary capability to engage Minister Wike in any political confrontation,” Isong said.
He added that the former lawmaker should do himself a favour by withdrawing from Rivers’ politics before he faces the consequences of meddling in the political affairs of the states
“He has 48 hours to issue a full apology to Minister Nyesom Wike and the people of Rivers State. Failure to do so may result in him being declared persona non grata in Rivers State.
“Nyesom Wike stands as the National Leader of the People’s Democratic Party and cannot be undermined by an official from another political party. Sen. Bashiru should know that even Governor Siminalaye Fubara recognises Minister Nyesom Wike as his leader and the architect of the political structure that positioned him as Governor of Rivers State.
“Senator Bashiru and the APC cannot now turn the tables nor change the fact that Minister Wike holds significant influence in Rivers politics enough to determine the survival or otherwise of the APC in the State, and the chances of its candidates for various elections in 2027 including the reelection bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. As APC’s National Secretary, it will be unforgivable if Sen. Bashiru does not know, or pretends not to know that it was the same “obsession” by Wike of Rivers State politics that made the difference in 2023, and perhaps, he would not be enjoying the status of the National Secretary of Nigeria’s ruling party today. In politics, ingratitude is an offence, and biting the finger that prepares your meal, is even a more unforgivable offence. A word they say is enough for the wise,” Isong noted.