By John Umeh
The political temperature in Rivers State has risen sharply as the All Progressives Congress (APC) moves to solidify support for Governor Siminalayi Fubara ahead of the 2027 elections, setting the stage for a direct confrontation with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
Senior figures within the ruling party have openly aligned with Fubara, signalling that the APC leadership is prepared to back the governor despite mounting resistance from his former political ally.
Speaking on the development, APC National Secretary Ajibola Basiru dismissed suggestions that Fubara could be politically isolated within the party, insisting that the governor enjoys institutional backing.
“No APC governor can be undermined by any individual,” Basiru said. “Governor Fubara is delivering on governance and remains entitled to the party’s support like every other elected governor on our platform.”
Defection Reshapes Rivers Politics
Fubara’s switch from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC on December 9 has dramatically altered the state’s political balance. The move, widely interpreted as strategic positioning for a second-term bid, was followed by the defection of 17 lawmakers from the Rivers State House of Assembly, further strengthening the APC’s grip on the state.
APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, subsequently affirmed Fubara’s leadership role within the party in Rivers, noting that his position comes with responsibility to manage internal interests.
“Governor Fubara is the party leader in Rivers State,” Yilwatda said during a televised interview. “However, leadership requires coordination and inclusion of all stakeholders.”
Wike Pushes Back
The consolidation of APC support around Fubara has intensified the long-simmering rift between the governor and Wike, who has repeatedly warned that joining the ruling party does not guarantee re-election.
Wike has accused Fubara of violating prior political understandings and engaging in what he described as opportunistic manoeuvring. He has also rejected claims that Fubara’s defection automatically makes him the political leader of Rivers State.
According to the former governor, his political network remains deeply entrenched across local government and ward structures.
Fubara, responding indirectly at a public event broadcast on Arise Television, suggested that attempts to intimidate him would fail.
“We know the direction we are headed,” the governor said. “Everything required to make the journey smooth has already been put in place.”
APC Officials Dismiss Wike’s Influence
A senior APC official at the national level, who spoke anonymously due to the sensitivity of the issue, insisted that Wike lacks the authority to dictate the party’s direction in Rivers.
“The final say does not rest with any individual,” the source said. “Decisions of this nature are driven by the party’s national leadership and the President.”
The official added that incumbency remains a powerful advantage in Nigerian politics and that Fubara, as a sitting governor, would naturally command stronger leverage than new challengers.
“Unless there is a compelling national reason, incumbents are rarely displaced,” the source noted.
Party Leadership Warns Against Internal Attacks
Basiru also cautioned party officials against inflammatory language, following comments by some APC leaders that appeared dismissive of Fubara’s position.
“Referring to an elected governor as a ‘so-called governor’ is unacceptable,” he said. “Political differences must never erode respect for constitutional offices.”
Other APC leaders, including Deputy National Organising Secretary Duru Eze and Director of Publicity Bala Ibrahim, echoed similar sentiments, stressing that all governors on the party’s platform enjoy equal rights and institutional backing.
“They are members of the APC family and will be supported accordingly,” Eze said.
Presidency Holds the Trump Card
At the state level, Rivers APC Publicity Secretary Chibike Ikenga emphasised that decisions regarding Fubara’s political future would be made by President Bola Tinubu and the party’s national leadership.
“The governor’s admission into the APC was approved at the highest level,” Ikenga said. “Only that same authority can determine the next steps.”
He also dismissed speculation that Wike could influence the APC’s governorship ticket, noting that the former Rivers governor is not a party member.
Elders Reject Political Intimidation
Prominent Rivers elders have weighed in, warning against attempts to derail democratic processes in the state.
Chief Anabs Sara-Igbe of the Rivers Elders and Leaders Council said the people—not political godfathers—would ultimately decide the state’s leadership.
“No one can play God over Rivers State,” he said. “The electorate will decide.”
Another elder, Chief Asukewe Iko-Awaji, described claims of political veto power as exaggerated, adding that prolonged political tension has already slowed governance in the state.
Wike Draws a Red Line
Despite mounting opposition, Wike remains defiant. Addressing supporters in Okrika, he described Fubara’s emergence as governor as a mistake he intends to correct.
“Defection does not translate into automatic tickets,” Wike warned. “The mistake of 2023 will not be repeated.”
His remarks signal an impending political battle that could define Rivers State politics heading into 2027.
