Moves allegedly linked to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to frustrate the 2027 re-election bid of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, have hit a snag following open support for the governor by several All Progressives Congress (APC) governors.
The latest round of tension between Wike and Fubara was triggered by the decision of some influential APC governors to back Fubara’s second-term ambition — a development said to have angered the former Rivers governor.
The situation was further complicated by endorsements from the APC leadership, which has reportedly been impressed by Fubara’s projects across Rivers State, with party leaders openly praising his governance record.
According to party insiders, the crisis escalated after Wike-aligned forces allegedly attempted to impose former PDP National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, as Imo State’s next governor without consulting Governor Hope Uzodimma, who is also the chairman of the APC Governors’ Forum. The move reportedly infuriated Uzodimma and sparked mobilisation among APC governors against the FCT minister.
“The plan is to weaken the FCT minister in his home state and reduce his influence and political power,” a senior APC official disclosed. “This was further compounded by the fact that Wike is reportedly not favoured by some powerful members of the Tinubu administration.”
A source, according to The PUNCH, Fubara has become more confident in confronting Wike’s political dominance, buoyed by assurances of support from APC governors.
Meanwhile, the feud spilled into the open on Monday as APC National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, and Wike exchanged sharp words over Rivers politics and Wike’s declaration that he would not back Fubara for a second term.
Basiru urged Wike to resign his ministerial appointment and focus on Rivers politics, saying he was unfazed by what he described as threats from the minister. He also warned APC South-South Chairman, Victor Giadom, against making disparaging comments about Fubara.
Giadom had earlier claimed that Fubara could not succeed politically without Wike’s backing, insisting that Gokana Local Government Area remained firmly under Wike’s influence.
“I guarantee, on behalf of my brothers, that the Gokana people are for Wike and Tinubu, and nobody will challenge Wike’s influence in Gokana,” Giadom said, adding that the area was a “no-go” zone politically without Wike’s approval.
Basiru, however, faulted the remarks and reiterated his support for Fubara, recalling his earlier call on Rivers residents to back President Bola Tinubu and the governor in 2027. He also praised Fubara’s “commendable governance strides and quality project delivery.”
Responding during a visit to Oyigbo Local Government Area, Wike warned Basiru to stay out of Rivers politics.
“Take this message to your National Secretary, leave Rivers State alone,” Wike said. “This state is a no-go area. Take the one you have taken, stop making unnecessary comments.”
In a statement he personally signed, Basiru fired back, insisting Wike had no authority to interfere in APC affairs.
“From my record, he isn’t a member of APC. I don’t see which authority or temerity he has to be dabbling in APC affairs,” Basiru said, adding that Wike should resign if he could not separate his ministerial role from party politics.
“He is not God and may be overplaying his political card,” Basiru added, insisting he would not be intimidated.
Reactions to the clash were mixed. Coalition for United Political Party National Secretary, Peter Ameh, praised Basiru’s stance, accusing Wike of undermining governance and claiming he had outlived his political usefulness within the APC structure.
Others defended the minister. Former Emuoha LGA chairman, Dr Chidi Lloyd, said only President Tinubu could ask Wike to resign, while another ally, Chimelem Wodi, dismissed Basiru as a “busybody” and described Wike as one of the administration’s top-performing ministers.
In a related development, Rivers State Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Odu, and the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Benibo Anabraba, have resigned their membership of the Peoples Democratic Party. Odu has since registered as a member of the APC in her ward in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area.
