APC Confirms Discussions With Fubara And Wike Amid Rivers Crisis

According to reports, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has confirmed that high-level negotiations are underway to ease the political tensions in Rivers State. The discussions aim to reconcile Governor Siminalayi Fubara with his predecessor, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

The APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, disclosed the ongoing engagement during an appearance on a current affairs programme, noting that while public attention has centered on court cases, impeachment threats, and political disputes, efforts to stabilize the state are quietly progressing behind the scenes.

Basiru emphasized that substantive political negotiations rarely occur in public. He described politicians as “nocturnal animals,” explaining that critical decisions are often reached discreetly rather than through press statements. He said the objective of the ongoing talks is a settlement in Rivers State where there will be “no victor and no vanquished.”

Highlighting Wike’s role in the process, Basiru acknowledged the former governor’s continued influence despite remaining a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He described Wike as a key stakeholder and a committed supporter of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, underlining Rivers State’s strategic importance to the President’s political agenda.

The remarks indicate a softening of relations between the APC leadership and Wike, following a previous public disagreement. Basiru said tensions have eased, with the focus now on the party’s broader political objectives ahead of 2027, which he referred to as “Renewed 4 for 2027.”

Basiru further linked the reconciliation efforts in Rivers to APC’s wider expansion strategy, citing the increase of APC governors from 20 to 29 in recent months. He dismissed suggestions that defections, including the recent switch by the Kano State Governor, were financially motivated, attributing the growth to President Tinubu’s leadership and a political culture grounded in negotiation and compromise.