Fubara Gets Backing of APC Leaders as Wike Embarks on Ranting Spree

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has received full support from top officials of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as tensions rise between him and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over the state’s 2027 governorship election. APC National Secretary Ajibola Basiru confirmed that the party stands firmly behind Fubara, describing him as a sitting governor effectively managing the affairs of Rivers State. He emphasized that the APC would not allow internal opposition to undermine any of its governors.

Fubara formally joined the APC on December 9 after leaving the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), a move widely interpreted as positioning himself for a second-term bid. Shortly afterward, 17 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly also defected to the APC. Following these defections, APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda declared Fubara the party leader in Rivers State, while noting that he must coordinate with other party stakeholders in the state.

Fubara’s defection has intensified the longstanding political rivalry with Wike. The FCT minister has publicly stated that joining the APC does not guarantee Fubara a second term and accused him of violating prior agreements. Wike also claimed that he retains significant influence over Rivers State politics through local government and ward structures. Addressing these claims, Fubara told Arise TV that he had faced blackmail but remained focused on his political objectives, indicating that he would continue his work regardless of opposition.

Senior APC officials rejected Wike’s assertions, stating that he has no authority over the governor’s position within the party. A top official, speaking on condition of anonymity, stressed that the final decision on Rivers State’s political leadership rests with President Bola Tinubu and the APC national leadership. The official also noted that while the party does not impose candidates, incumbency generally gives sitting governors an advantage in re-election contests. Basiru further emphasized that the APC’s National Working Committee is committed to supporting all governors and strengthening the party’s structures across the country. He criticized remarks by some party members disparaging elected governors, calling them inappropriate and inconsistent with party protocol. Other APC leaders, including Deputy National Organizing Secretary Duru Eze and Director of Publicity Bala Ibrahim, affirmed that Fubara enjoys the endorsement of the President and national party bodies. They stressed that all governors who join the APC receive equal support as members working for the party’s agenda.

Rivers APC Publicity Secretary Chibike Ikenga stated that Fubara’s membership in the party was approved at the highest level and that only the President and national party leadership can determine his political future. Ikenga dismissed suggestions that Wike could influence APC candidate selection in the state, noting that Wike is not a member of the party. Members of the Rivers State Elders and Leaders Council criticized Wike for attempting to block Fubara’s political ambitions. Chief Anabs Sara-Igbe said the electorate, not any political figure, would decide the state’s leadership, while Chief Asukewe Iko-Awaji warned that Rivers residents would resist any imposed candidate. The elders also highlighted that political disputes have disrupted governance, resulting in delays in state development.

Despite widespread APC support for Fubara, Wike has maintained that the governor will not secure a second term. Speaking to supporters in Okrika Local Government Area, he described Fubara’s rise as a “mistake” that must not be repeated. Without naming Fubara directly, Wike warned that defecting to the APC would not guarantee a party ticket and pledged to actively oppose any attempt at his re-election.