A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Stephen Ajiya, has cautioned the party’s National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, and other critics of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to refrain from interfering in Rivers State politics, warning that such actions could undermine President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid.
Speaking in Abuja during an interview, Ajiya described ongoing attacks on Wike by some party figures as politically counterproductive, arguing that they ignore the former Rivers State governor’s role in the APC’s victory in the 2023 presidential election.
According to Ajiya, Wike’s political influence in Rivers State was instrumental to the party’s electoral success, insisting that many of those calling for his removal or questioning his loyalty were absent during critical moments of the party’s campaign.
He maintained that Wike’s contribution to delivering Rivers State votes to the APC during the last presidential election remains a defining factor in the party’s national success, adding that critics have failed to match such electoral impact in their respective constituencies.
Ajiya further argued that current political activities in Rivers State should be viewed within the context of early preparations for forthcoming party congresses at ward, local government and state levels. He said Wike’s engagement at the grassroots was consistent with party-building efforts and should not be misconstrued as political interference.
He described some of Wike’s critics as “Abuja politicians” disconnected from grassroots politics, accusing them of lacking electoral credibility at even polling unit level. According to him, political relevance within the APC should be measured by tangible electoral outcomes rather than public criticism.
Turning to Wike’s performance as Minister of the FCT, Ajiya said the visible infrastructure development and economic activity under his tenure had won public approval across ethnic, religious and party lines. He argued that the minister’s record distinguished him from previous office holders whose tenures were marked by limited impact.
While acknowledging that public figures often attract controversy, Ajiya said Wike’s governance style should be assessed primarily by outcomes rather than sentiment, noting that development projects across the FCT have directly improved the lives of residents.
He also called on residents of the Federal Capital Territory to support candidates he described as merit-driven in the forthcoming area council elections, arguing that sustained development in the FCT requires electoral backing for leaders aligned with the current reform agenda.
Ajiya concluded that Wike’s political strategy extends beyond Rivers State, asserting that his efforts to consolidate support for President Tinubu in both Rivers and the FCT reflect loyalty to the administration and should be encouraged rather than undermined within the party.