The North-Central All Progressives Congress (APC) Forum has rejected recent demands for the resignation of Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, warning that such calls could hinder ongoing development projects in the territory.

The Forum also dismissed appeals for President Bola Tinubu to remove Wike from his position.

The controversy was sparked after APC National Secretary Senator Ajibola Basiru urged Wike to resign in order to concentrate on Rivers State politics. This followed Wike’s warning to Basiru to refrain from interfering in Rivers State’s political affairs, where he is engaged in a rivalry with Governor Sim Fubara.

Some Nigerians, dissatisfied with Wike’s political involvement in Rivers State, have called on President Tinubu to either sack him as FCT minister or redeploy him to another ministry. The Ijaw National Congress (INC), West African Chapter, suggested that Wike be moved to the Ministry of Niger Delta.

Responding to these developments, the North-Central APC Forum, through its Chairman Alhaji Saleh Zazzaga, stated that Wike should be allowed to continue his work in the FCT, which is part of the North-Central region.

Since Wike assumed office, the Forum noted, the pace of development in the FCT has accelerated, with key infrastructure projects being executed successfully. The group described calls for his resignation or removal as attempts to derail FCT’s progress and undermine the gains achieved under the Tinubu administration.

The Forum emphasized that it has no interest in the political conflict in Rivers State and is solely focused on FCT development and, by extension, the North-Central region. It warned that continued calls for Wike’s resignation could provoke mass protests in the FCT.

In parts of the statement, the Forum said:

“The North-Central APC Forum rejects calls for the resignation of Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike. Under his leadership, infrastructural development in the FCT has accelerated, transforming the territory in just two years. Calls for his removal serve selfish interests and threaten the progress achieved so far.”

The Forum also highlighted that Wike played a significant role in the APC’s success in the 2023 presidential election, even though he is not a party member.

It further stated that it had previously commended Wike for his contributions to FCT infrastructure, and urged him to continue focusing on development rather than political distractions.

“We urge Minister Wike to ignore these calls and remain committed to developing the FCT,” the statement concluded.