The political crisis in Rivers State has intensified ahead of the 2027 general elections as several All Progressives Congress (APC) governors reportedly rallied behind Governor Siminalayi Fubara, dealing a setback to moves allegedly aimed at scuttling his re-election bid.
Multiple APC sources told The PUNCH that renewed hostilities between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and his successor were triggered by the decision of influential APC governors to back Fubara’s second-term ambition, a development the minister strongly opposed.
The endorsement was further reinforced by the APC leadership’s growing praise of Fubara’s governance record and projects, while insiders said some governors were mobilising against Wike amid concerns over his influence within the ruling party and the Tinubu administration.
Tensions escalated on Monday as APC National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, and Wike engaged in a war of words over Rivers politics, with Basiru asking the minister to resign if he could not stop interfering in party affairs.
Wike, during a visit to Oyigbo Local Government Area, warned Basiru to “leave Rivers State alone,” while Basiru fired back, insisting that Wike, who he said is not an APC member, had no authority to meddle in the party’s affairs. “I am the National Secretary of APC… he has no locus whatsoever to engage me in any political activity that concerns the APC,” Basiru said.
The dispute comes amid defections of key Rivers officials to the APC, including Deputy Governor Prof. Ngozi Odu, and growing divisions within the party, as elders, party chieftains and political groups trade accusations over influence, loyalty and the future of Rivers State politics ahead of 2027.