The North-Central chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Forum has taken a strong stance against mounting pressure for the removal of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike. In a statement issued on Monday, 12 January 2026, the group warned that such calls are detrimental to the ongoing development projects in Abuja.
Forum Rallies Behind Wike's Performance
The Forum, led by its Chairman, Saleh Zazzaga, categorically rejected demands for Wike's resignation or redeployment. The group insisted that the Minister's work has significantly accelerated infrastructural development in the FCT, which it considers part of the North-Central geopolitical zone. They described calls for his removal as an attempt to undermine the gains of President Bola Tinubu's administration in the territory.
The controversy began after the APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, publicly urged Wike to resign and focus on the political crisis in Rivers State involving Governor Sim Fubara. Other groups, including the West African Chapter of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), had suggested Wike be moved to the Ministry of Niger Delta.
Accusations of Undermining Party and Progress
The North-Central APC Forum expressed deep concern that senior party officials were leading the charge against Wike. They argued it was wrong to demand his resignation solely because he is not a card-carrying member of the APC. The Forum's statement advised those making the calls to "back off."
"Wike is somebody that has added value to this administration, especially when it comes to infrastructural development in the FCT," the statement read. "It is offensive and deeply worrisome to us that people who are supposed to be leaders of the party... are antagonizing him."
Crediting Wike for Electoral Victory and Development
In a bold claim, the Forum credited Wike with playing a critical role in the APC's victory during the 2023 presidential election. They asserted that neither the National Chairman nor the National Secretary contributed as much as Wike to the emergence of the Tinubu administration, despite his non-member status.
"None of them calling for his resignation contributed as much as Wike to the coming of this administration," the group stated. The Forum also revealed it had formally conveyed its appreciation to Wike for the ongoing infrastructure projects in the FCT.
The group concluded by urging Minister Wike to ignore the distraction and remain focused on his assignment, emphasizing that their primary interest is the development of the North-Central region and Nigeria at large.
