Members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the South-east geopolitical zone have asked the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to apologise to the party's governors over comments they describe as disrespectful. The caucus said Wike's remarks undermined the political capacity of the governors and created unnecessary friction within the party at a time when unity is required.
The demand was made public through a statement issued by the APC South-east caucus, which said the ministers' comments had gone beyond constructive criticism and constituted disrespect toward elected governors who are members of the same party. The lawmakers said the governors have contributed to the party's growth and stability in the region, and that Wike's remarks threatened to erode that foundation.
Wike, a former governor of Rivers State, has been a prominent figure in the APC since joining the party. His comments about the political capacity of governors in the South-east have been interpreted by some party members as an attempt to assert dominance or question the legitimacy of the current leadership in the zone. The APC South-east caucus said such rhetoric is counterproductive and asked Wike to recognise the role of the governors and offer a public apology.
The request comes amid broader tensions within the APC regarding the party's direction and the relationship between the federal minister and state-level leadership. While Wike has not yet responded formally to the demand, allies close to the minister have said he remains committed to his position and believes his comments were a fair assessment of the party's structure in the region. The caucus, however, insists that party discipline and respect for elected officials must take precedence.
Political analysts say the dispute highlights the challenges of integrating former governors into new party structures and the difficulty of maintaining cohesion when strong personalities clash. The APC South-east caucus's demand for an apology signals that the party is attempting to close ranks ahead of upcoming elections, but the rift between Wike and the governors may prove difficult to resolve without a formal reconciliation.