Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has publicly boasted that he assisted elements within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in using the judiciary to frustrate Osun State’s local government allocation lawsuit.

Speaking to a crowd in Port Harcourt, Wike accused the APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, of benefiting from court actions against Osun State without knowing the individuals behind the scenes who orchestrated the outcome. The lawsuit led to the withholding of local government funds, a move widely seen as politically targeting Governor Ademola Adeleke.

Wike warned APC leaders not to take support for President Bola Tinubu for granted, saying, “Don’t take our support for Mr President for granted. You have to be careful about the statements you make. You have to be very careful.” He described Basiru as politically ungrateful, adding, “Today, you are enjoying in Osun. You don’t know those who did the work. You are opening your mouth to talk about Rivers State.”

In response, Basiru demanded that Wike resign from his ministerial position, insisting that as a non-member of the APC, he has no authority to interfere in the party’s affairs. Basiru stated, “Our records indicate that Minister Nyesom Wike is not a member of our Party, so he lacks the locus to dabble into the affairs of our Party… I am imbued with the responsibility to protect the interests of the Party and all its members and structures.”

The Supreme Court had earlier criticised both the Federal Government and Osun State over the matter. While faulting the Tinubu-led administration for withholding the funds, the court also ruled that the Osun State Attorney General had no legal authority to file the suit on behalf of the 30 local governments without their consent. Justice Idris noted that only those elected and inaugurated in the councils have the jurisdiction to sue or be sued directly.

Wike’s remarks have intensified political tensions, highlighting ongoing disputes over party leadership, state autonomy, and the role of the judiciary in politically sensitive matters.