- According to Olayinka, Basiru lacks the moral standing to lecture Wike on party loyalty or strategy
- Olayinka argued that Wike’s political structure and grassroots appeal could deliver more votes for President Tinubu in Osun State than Basiru’s influence
- Responding through a series of posts on social media, Olayinka dismissed Basiru’s claims
Lere Olayinka, spokesperson to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has renewed hostilities with the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ajibola Basiru, asserting that the FCT minister commands stronger political relevance in Osun State than the former senator.
Eko Hot Blog reports that Olayinka’s reaction followed the growing tension between Wike and Basiru over developments in Rivers State politics, where the minister had cautioned the APC scribe against making comments on the state’s internal affairs.
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The disagreement escalated after Basiru criticised a Wike associate who referred to Siminalayi Fubara, recently aligned with the APC, as a “so-called governor.” Basiru later challenged Wike to step down from his ministerial role if he intended to remain actively involved in Rivers politics.
Basiru also accused the FCT minister of fueling division within the ruling party, stressing that Wike’s public support for President Bola Tinubu did not translate into formal APC membership.
Responding through a series of posts on social media, Olayinka dismissed Basiru’s claims and questioned his political standing, pointing to past electoral defeats. Using a mix of English and colloquial expressions, he urged the APC National Secretary to focus on consolidating his home state rather than commenting on Wike’s political moves.
Olayinka argued that Wike’s political structure and grassroots appeal could deliver more votes for President Tinubu in Osun State than Basiru’s influence, describing the APC scribe as politically weakened.
He further referenced Basiru’s unsuccessful attempt to secure the APC governorship ticket in Osun and the party’s loss during the 2022 governorship election, questioning his credibility to advise others on electoral success.
According to Olayinka, Basiru lacks the moral standing to lecture Wike on party loyalty or strategy, insisting that politics is driven by grassroots strength and proven electoral impact.
The exchange marks another chapter in the prolonged rivalry between both camps, which intensified after Basiru accused Wike of undermining the APC in the South-South and demanded that he resign his federal appointment to concentrate on Rivers State politics.
Despite the criticism, Wike’s allies continue to argue that the FCT minister remains a key political force for President Tinubu, particularly in Rivers State, where the APC has historically faced electoral challenges.
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