Senior figures in the All Progressives Congress (APC) have thrown their weight behind Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, as tensions escalate between him and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, ahead of the 2027 elections.
The APC National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, told Sunday PUNCH that Fubara enjoys the full backing of the party for a second term, stressing that no APC governor would be undermined.
“Fubara, like other APC governors, is performing well in the administration of his state, and nobody can frustrate an APC governor,” Basiru said.
Fubara formally defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the APC on December 9, a move widely seen as a strategic step towards securing a second term. His switch was followed by the defection of 17 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly to the ruling party.
APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, has also recognised Fubara as the party’s leader in Rivers State, noting during a Channels Television interview that while the governor leads the party in the state, coordination with other stakeholders remains essential.
Renewed rift
Fubara’s defection has further deepened his rift with Wike, who has openly questioned the governor’s chances of securing a second term, even under the APC. Wike accused Fubara of breaching a peace agreement and engaging in what he described as opportunistic politics.
The FCT minister insisted that joining the APC does not automatically make Fubara the party leader in Rivers, boasting that he still controls the state’s political structures at the grassroots level.
In an apparent response, Fubara, speaking at a public event aired by Arise TV, dismissed the criticism as blackmail, saying he remained focused on his political direction and objectives.
Wike can’t decide APC ticket – party sources
A senior APC official, who spoke anonymously due to the sensitivity of the matter, said Wike has no power to determine Fubara’s political fate, adding that the final decision would rest with President Bola Tinubu.
The official dismissed claims that Wike dominates Rivers politics, noting that Fubara, as an incumbent APC governor, would naturally enjoy strong institutional support within the party.
While ruling out the imposition of candidates, the source acknowledged that sitting governors traditionally have an advantage over challengers seeking the same ticket.
APC reiterates support
Basiru reaffirmed the party’s support for Fubara, saying the APC’s mandate is to strengthen its structures by standing firmly behind its governors.
He also criticised derogatory remarks allegedly made by APC South-South Vice Chairman, Victor Giadom, against Fubara, warning that elected governors deserve respect regardless of internal disagreements.
Similarly, APC Deputy National Organising Secretary, Duru Eze, said Fubara and other governors who joined the party have the backing of President Tinubu, the National Executive Committee and the National Working Committee.
APC Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, added that Fubara would enjoy full party support, stressing that governors joining the APC are aligning with the achievements of the Tinubu-led administration.
Presidency to decide – Rivers APC
The Rivers State APC Publicity Secretary, Chibike Ikenga, said only President Tinubu and the party’s national leadership can determine Fubara’s re-election prospects.
He noted that Fubara’s entry into the party was approved at the highest level and dismissed claims that Wike could influence the APC’s governorship ticket, pointing out that the former governor is not a member of the party.
Rivers elders weigh in
Members of the Rivers State Elders and Leaders Council also rejected suggestions that Wike could block Fubara’s re-election. Chief Anabs Sara-Igbe warned against attempts to undermine the democratic process, insisting that the electorate, not political power brokers, would decide the next governor.
Another elder, Chief Asukewe Iko-Awaji, dismissed Wike’s claims as empty threats, saying only God and the people of Rivers State could determine Fubara’s fate.
Wike draws the battle line
Despite the mounting support for Fubara within the APC, Wike has vowed to prevent the governor’s re-election. Addressing supporters in Okrika Local Government Area, the FCT minister described Fubara’s emergence as a “mistake” that must not be repeated.
He warned that defection to the APC does not guarantee an automatic ticket and vowed to correct what he called the errors of the 2023 election.
“We have taken a decision and there is no going back as far as Tinubu is concerned. But for the other one, no way. I will not allow that mistake again,” Wike declared.
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