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The factional leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the South-South zone has criticised Ajibola Basiru, National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), over comments he allegedly made against the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.This was disclosed in a statement released on Tuesday by the PDP South-South Zonal Publicity Secretary, Prince Etim Isong.He described Basiru’s remarks as a personal attack on Wike, warning that such comments were inappropriate and harmful to President Bola Tinubu’s administration and his chances of securing re-election in 2027.Isong further said the PDP was surprised that Basiru, whom he noted failed to deliver a governor for the APC in Osun State during the 2023 elections, would attempt to speak on the protection of the interests of a defected Rivers State governor who, according to him, emerged through Wike’s political efforts.He also expressed concern that at a time when Nigeria has witnessed threats to the life of a ruling party’s national chairman in the North for merely suggesting President Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, Basiru would make statements capable of undermining Rivers State, which he described as a strong support base for the president.“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 Basiru’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,” he stated.“Furthermore, Senator Basiru’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 advised the former lawmaker to withdraw from Rivers State politics, warning him against further interference in the state’s political affairs.“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 Peoples Democratic Party and cannot be undermined by an official from another political party.”“Senator Basiru should know that even Governor Siminalayi Fubara recognises Minister Nyesom Wike as his leader and the architect of the political structure that positioned him as governor of Rivers State,” he added.“Senator Basiru and the APC cannot now turn the tables or 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 in the 2027 elections, including the re-election bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”“As APC’s National Secretary, it would be unforgivable if Senator Basiru does not know, or pretends not to know, that it was the same ‘obsession’ with Rivers State politics by Wike that made the difference in 2023, and perhaps explains why he is enjoying the status of National Secretary of Nigeria’s ruling party today.”“In politics, ingratitude is an offence, and biting the finger that feeds you is an even more unforgivable offence. A word, they say, is enough for the wise,” Isong noted.
Olusegun ARIYO
