Rivers Politics Heats Up As APC Backs Fubara Against Wike

According to Ireporter Online, leading figures within the All Progressives Congress (APC) have openly reaffirmed their support for Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, amid escalating political tensions between him and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

Senior party officials confirmed that the APC remains firmly aligned with Governor Fubara’s administration and political aspirations, dismissing claims that external forces could undermine his leadership or second-term ambition. The party’s National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, stated that APC governors across the country enjoy institutional backing, stressing that Fubara has continued to effectively manage the affairs of Rivers State.

Fubara’s recent defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC on December 9, 2025, is widely viewed by political observers as a strategic move ahead of the next election cycle. His switch was soon followed by the defection of 17 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly to the APC, a development that significantly strengthened his foothold within the party.

Further reinforcing this position, the APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, described Fubara as the party’s recognised leader in Rivers State, while also noting the importance of collaboration among stakeholders within the state’s political structure.

However, the governor’s growing influence within the APC has intensified his long-standing rift with Wike, who has publicly questioned the certainty of Fubara’s second-term bid. The FCT minister accused the governor of breaching previous political understandings and engaging in what he termed opportunistic politics, insisting that he still commands significant political structures at the grassroots level in Rivers State.

Responding indirectly to these remarks during a public event broadcast on Arise Television, Governor Fubara suggested that he had been subjected to intimidation and blackmail, adding that his administration remains focused on its political direction and governance objectives.

Party insiders have since dismissed Wike’s assertions, with a senior APC national officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity, insisting that the minister lacks the authority to determine the political future of the Rivers State governor. The official argued that ultimate decisions regarding the state’s political direction rest with the President and the party’s leadership, not any individual.

The source further noted that incumbency naturally places governors seeking re-election at an advantage, clarifying that while the APC does not impose candidates, sitting governors typically enjoy stronger support within party structures. He added that Rivers State is increasingly aligning with the APC, citing recent political trends that favour the ruling party.

Basiru also reiterated that the APC’s National Working Committee is mandated to support all governors elected on the party’s platform, emphasizing that Fubara’s ongoing projects and contributions to governance justify the party’s continued identification with him. He maintained that internal disagreements should not detract from the collective responsibility to strengthen the party nationwide.

Addressing comments allegedly made by the APC National Vice Chairman for the South-South zone, Basiru cautioned party leaders against using derogatory language toward elected officials, stressing that the office of governor deserves respect regardless of internal political differences.

Similarly, the Deputy National Organising Secretary of the APC, Duru Eze, affirmed that Governor Fubara enjoys the full backing of President Bola Tinubu, the National Executive Committee, and the National Working Committee of the party. He stated that all governors who have aligned with the APC are entitled to equal rights, privileges, and support under the party’s constitution.

The APC Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, also confirmed that Fubara, alongside other recent defectors, would receive comprehensive support from the party, noting that many governors are aligning with the APC in response to President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and its developmental focus.