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  • North-Central APC Forum Rejects Calls for Wike’s Resignation, Warns Against Disrupting FCT Development

    North-Central APC Forum Rejects Calls for Wike’s Resignation, Warns Against Disrupting FCT Development

    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.

  • North-Central APC Forum Urges Review of Yilwatda’s Appointment as National Chairman

    North-Central APC Forum Urges Review of Yilwatda’s Appointment as National Chairman

    By Israel Adamu, Jos

    The North-Central All Progressives Congress (APC) Forum has called on key party leaders in the region to engage with President Bola Tinubu and review the appointment of Professor Nentawe Yilwatda as the APC National Chairman. The Forum made the appeal on Wednesday, citing concerns over his performance and its potential impact on the zone’s political prospects.In a statement issued by its Chairman, Alhaji Saleh Zazzaga, the Forum urged the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, along with APC governors in Benue, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, and Niger states, to meet with the Progressive Governors Forum and subsequently with President Tinubu. The group maintains that a review of Yilwatda’s appointment is essential for strengthening the party’s leadership structure in the North-Central region.The call marks the latest development in ongoing tensions between the Forum and some APC stakeholders in Plateau State regarding Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s rumored defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC. While the Forum has openly encouraged Mutfwang to join the party, Plateau APC executives and several women’s groups have staged rallies rejecting the governor’s possible entry.The Forum alleged that Yilwatda, who hails from Plateau State and was the APC’s 2023 governorship candidate, is sponsoring protests and media campaigns to block Mutfwang’s defection due to his own interest in contesting the 2027 governorship election. According to the group, such actions undermine party unity and contradict the responsibilities of a national chairman.“

    We are calling on the SGF, the Progressive Governors Forum, and APC governors in the North-Central to urgently meet Mr. President to review Professor Yilwatda’s appointment due to his unsatisfactory performance,” the statement said. “We cannot allow the region to suffer future setbacks based on the performance of one individual.”The Forum criticized the national chairman for allegedly diverting his attention from party-building efforts to political battles within Plateau State. It argued that Yilwatda’s alleged opposition to Mutfwang’s entry into the party contradicts the APC constitution, which places membership decisions at the ward level.“It is not within the national chairman’s powers to prevent Governor Mutfwang from joining the APC. Instead of providing the leadership needed to strengthen the party, he is sponsoring protests to stop a development that could secure Plateau State for the APC,” the Forum added.Calling his conduct “partisan” and “self-serving,” the group said Yilwatda lacks the experience required to lead a ruling party at the national level. It urged the APC leadership to immediately reassess his position and appoint a more capable individual if necessary.

    The Forum also reiterated its earlier demand that Yilwatda step aside and focus on his 2027 governorship ambition rather than “leading the party into crisis.”In a separate development, the Forum congratulated Imo State Governor and Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, Hope Uzodinma, on his appointment as Director-General for Party Outreach, Engagement, and Mobilisation. It said Uzodinma’s new role further underscores the need for effective leadership within the APC’s national structure.The Forum encouraged Uzodinma to use his new responsibilities to support the call for a review of the national chairman’s appointment. It also warned against the alleged payment of small sums to women in Plateau State to protest against Mutfwang’s defection, cautioning that such actions could expose them to security risks.“Activities like these may endanger the women and their families by making them targets of criminal elements who believe they received large sums of money,” the Forum warned.