The simmering political crisis in Rivers State has escalated, with several governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) openly aligning with Governor Siminalayi Fubara ahead of the 2027 general elections, a development that has further strained his already fraught relationship with his predecessor and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
Multiple party sources disclosed that the renewed hostilities were triggered by the decision of influential APC governors to back Fubara’s second-term ambition, a move perceived as a direct challenge to Wike’s enduring political grip on the oil-rich state. The endorsement has reportedly unsettled the FCT minister, who is said to be strongly opposed to any re-election bid by his successor.
Insiders within the ruling party revealed that Fubara has gained increasing goodwill among APC power brokers, many of whom have commended his infrastructure drive and governance approach. This emerging support base, sources said, has emboldened the governor to assert himself politically and resist pressures from forces loyal to Wike.
The situation was further complicated by tensions within the APC over Imo State politics, following an alleged attempt by Wike’s allies to promote a former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, as a governorship contender without the consent of Governor Hope Uzodimma, chairman of the APC Governors’ Forum. The move reportedly angered Uzodimma and set in motion a broader mobilisation of APC governors against the FCT minister’s influence.
“The strategy is to curtail Wike’s dominance in Rivers and weaken his political leverage,” a senior APC official said. “There is also the perception that he is not in favour with some key figures in the Tinubu administration. The governors’ support for Fubara is a calculated response.”
The crisis burst into the open on Monday as APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, and Wike exchanged sharp words over Rivers politics. Basiru publicly urged the former governor to resign his ministerial post and desist from what he described as undue interference in the affairs of the ruling party.
Basiru, who has consistently praised Fubara’s performance, warned party officials against taking sides in the Rivers dispute. He also rebuked the APC’s South-South Vice Chairman, Victor Giadom, for remarks suggesting that Fubara could not succeed politically without Wike’s backing, insisting that such comments undermined party unity.
Wike, however, fired back during a visit to Oyigbo Local Government Area, cautioning Basiru to “leave Rivers politics alone” and accusing him of making reckless statements. The minister reiterated his stance that Fubara would not secure a second term, claiming the governor lacked the requisite political support.
In a swift response, Basiru maintained that Wike had no locus to meddle in APC affairs, stressing that the minister was not a member of the party. He rejected insinuations that his interest in Rivers was financially motivated, describing such claims as baseless and an affront to his record of public service.
Beyond the war of words, the political realignment in Rivers gathered momentum with the defection of the deputy governor, Prof. Ngozi Odu, and the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Benibo Anabraba, from the PDP to the APC. Prof. Odu has since formally registered as an APC member and embarked on grassroots mobilisation across her local government area, signalling deepening cracks within the opposition.
Meanwhile, reactions to the crisis have been sharply divided. Niger Delta activist and Rivers elder, Ann Kio-Briggs, criticised Wike’s vow to block Fubara’s re-election, describing it as a threat to democratic choice and peace in the state. She argued that no individual could claim absolute political control over Rivers, insisting that the governor currently enjoys the support of a majority of the people.
Conversely, Wike’s allies have rallied to his defence. Former Emuoha Local Government chairman, Dr Chidi Lloyd, dismissed calls for the minister’s resignation, while other supporters accused Basiru of overstepping his authority. They argued that Wike remains one of the most influential figures in the state and a key asset to the Tinubu administration.
