By: Daure David
A political commentator, Hon. Gara Gombe, has issued a strongly worded public message cautioning the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, over his ongoing war of words with the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibola Bashiru.
In a statement circulated on Monday, Gombe, who described himself as a non-partisan observer, said the recent exchange between the two political heavyweights had drawn his attention, prompting him to intervene with what he called “unsolicited advice.”
Gombe warned that Senator Bashiru should not be underestimated, describing him as a seasoned political actor with deep experience in legislative, legal and party affairs.
“Bashiru is not Fubara or Lt. Yerima. If Wike has never tested a real political battle, he is about to see one with undiminishing intensity,” Gombe said, suggesting that the APC national scribe possesses both the temperament and capacity for prolonged political confrontation.
He portrayed Bashiru as fearless and strategic, arguing that his background as a former senator and former Attorney General of Osun State gives him significant leverage in political and legal contests.
“If Wike thinks he is a lawyer, Bashiru is also a lawyer. If Wike thinks he controls the judiciary, Bashiru was a former Attorney General of Osun State,” Gombe stated, adding that Bashiru’s experience within the APC places him close to the party’s core leadership.
Gombe further claimed that Bashiru enjoys the confidence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, popularly known as Asiwaju, asserting that the party leader would prioritize Bashiru over many political allies.
“Asiwaju will prefer to sacrifice five Wikes than to lose one Bashiru,” he said.
Recalling a personal encounter with the APC scribe, Gombe said his assessment was based on firsthand observation. “He talks less but acts swiftly,” he noted, describing Bashiru as a “warrior” rather than merely a fighter.
The statement concluded with a warning to the FCT minister to tread carefully in any further confrontation, whether in court, the media, or the political arena.
“So Wike should be careful before going into any political battle with Bashiru, whether judicial, media, or even rascality battles. This is a match,” Gombe said.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the office of the FCT minister nor the APC National Secretariat had issued an official response to Gombe’s remarks.
