The political battle in Rivers State has taken a new turn as several governors from the All Progressives Congress (APC) openly back Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s bid for a second term, dealing a setback to efforts by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to block his re-election in 2027.
Sources within the APC say the renewed tension between Wike and his successor was triggered by growing support for Fubara among influential APC governors and party leaders, many of whom have praised his governance style and ongoing projects in Rivers State. Their backing has reportedly strengthened Fubara’s resolve to challenge Wike’s long-standing political dominance in the state.
The situation worsened after a political disagreement involving Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, who was said to be angered by attempts from Wike’s camp to influence succession politics in his state without consultation. This reportedly led to quiet mobilisation among APC governors against the FCT minister, with Rivers politics becoming a major flashpoint.
The crisis spilled into the open following a heated exchange between Wike and the APC National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru. Basiru accused Wike of interfering in the affairs of a party he does not belong to and challenged him to resign his ministerial position if he wished to remain deeply involved in partisan politics. He also reaffirmed his support for Fubara, praising the governor’s performance and describing him as a key figure in the APC’s future in Rivers State.
Wike, however, fired back during a public visit to Oyigbo Local Government Area, warning Basiru and other party leaders to stay out of Rivers politics. He insisted that his influence in parts of the state remains unmatched and dismissed suggestions that Fubara could succeed politically without his backing.
The exchange further exposed deep divisions within the APC, with party leaders in the South-South taking opposing positions. While some, like Victor Giadom, openly sided with Wike, others urged neutrality and cautioned against internal intimidation.
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Adding to the political shake-up, Rivers State Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu and the Secretary to the State Government, Benibo Anabraba, resigned their membership of the Peoples Democratic Party and formally joined the APC, a move widely seen as strengthening Fubara’s position ahead of 2027.
Prominent Rivers elders and civil society voices have also weighed in, warning that attempts to impose political outcomes on the state could undermine peace and democracy. Niger Delta activist Ann Kio-Briggs described Wike’s stance against Fubara’s re-election bid as unacceptable, stressing that Rivers people must be allowed to freely choose their leader.
As the battle lines harden, analysts say the Rivers crisis now goes beyond a personal feud and reflects a larger struggle for control of political structures ahead of the next general elections. For now, Fubara appears to be gaining momentum, buoyed by growing support within the ruling party, while Wike faces increasing resistance to his influence in his home state.
