By Israel Adamu, Jos
The North-Central All Progressives Congress (APC) Forum has rejected calls for the resignation or removal of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, warning that such demands could undermine ongoing development efforts in the nation’s capital.The Forum also opposed appeals urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to sack or redeploy the minister, describing the calls as politically motivated and detrimental to progress in the FCT, which it noted is part of the North-Central geopolitical zone.The controversy follows remarks by the National Secretary of the APC, Senator Ajibola Basiru, who recently asked Wike to resign and focus on political issues in Rivers State. Basiru’s comments came after Wike cautioned him against interfering in Rivers State politics, where the minister is embroiled in a political dispute with Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
In addition, some groups and individuals dissatisfied with Wike’s involvement in Rivers State affairs have urged President Tinubu to remove him as FCT minister. The Ijaw National Congress (INC), West African Chapter, also called on the president to redeploy Wike to the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs.Reacting to the developments, the North-Central APC Forum, in a statement issued on Monday by its Chairman, Alhaji Saleh Zazzaga, said Wike should be allowed to continue his work in the FCT without distraction. The Forum emphasized that its primary concern is the development of the FCT and the broader North-Central region.
According to the Forum, the pace of development in the FCT has improved significantly since Wike’s appointment, with the execution of key infrastructure projects across the territory. It argued that calls for Wike’s resignation amount to an attempt to derail the gains recorded under the Tinubu administration.The group stressed that it has no interest in the political crisis in Rivers State and would not be drawn into internal party disputes. However, it warned those pushing for Wike’s removal to desist, cautioning that continued agitation could trigger mass protests in the FCT.“
The North-Central APC Forum rejects calls for the resignation of Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike,” the statement said. “He is performing well under an APC administration, and such calls threaten the development of the FCT, which is part of the North-Central.” The Forum noted that previous administrations spent years in office without comparable results, arguing that Wike had achieved visible progress in less than two years. It described the calls for his resignation, even from within the party leadership, as condemnable and self-serving.
The Forum also faulted arguments that Wike should resign because he is not a registered member of the APC, insisting that his contributions to governance and national development outweigh party affiliation. It further claimed that Wike played a significant role in the APC’s victory in the 2023 presidential election. Reiterating its position, the North-Central APC Forum urged President Tinubu to ignore the calls and allow Wike to continue implementing development projects in the FCT. It also advised the minister to remain focused on his assignment despite political distractions.
