The political crisis in Rivers State has intensified as moves by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to block Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s 2027 re-election bid appear to be faltering. Several governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have reportedly thrown their weight behind Fubara, escalating the rift between the former allies.
Sources within the APC disclosed that renewed hostilities between Wike and Fubara were triggered by the decision of influential APC governors to support Fubara’s second-term ambition—an outcome said to have angered the FCT minister. The situation was further reinforced by the APC leadership’s apparent endorsement of Fubara, with party leaders openly commending his governance record and infrastructure projects.
Tensions reportedly worsened following disagreements involving APC power blocs, particularly over attempts by Wike-aligned forces to influence political succession in Imo State without consulting Governor Hope Uzodimma, the APC Governors’ Forum chairman. This reportedly prompted several governors to mobilise against Wike, aiming to curb his political dominance in Rivers State.
Meanwhile, the dispute spilled into the open as APC National Secretary Ajibola Basiru and Wike exchanged sharp words over Rivers politics. Basiru accused Wike of meddling in APC affairs and urged him to resign his ministerial post if he intended to remain deeply involved in state politics. He also reaffirmed his support for Fubara, praising the governor’s performance and warning party officials against taking sides in the crisis.
Wike, however, dismissed Basiru’s comments, cautioning him to stay out of Rivers State politics and insisting that Fubara lacked the political backing needed to secure re-election. The minister maintained that his influence in the state remained unmatched.
The crisis comes amid major political realignments in Rivers State, including Fubara’s defection from the PDP to the APC and the exit of key state officials from the opposition party. As both camps trade accusations and counterclaims, the struggle for control ahead of the 2027 elections continues to reshape the state’s political landscape.