As political tensions between Siminalayi Fubara, the governor of Rivers State, and Nyesom Wike, the minister of the Federal Capital Territory, increase, top leaders of the All Progressives Congress have thrown their support behind Fubara.
Ajibola Basiru, the APC’s National Secretary, affirmed the party’s support for Fubara’s administration and second-term campaign.
“No APC governor can be frustrated. Like other APC governors, Fubara is effectively managing his state’s affairs, Basiru told Sunday PUNCH.
Recall that on December 9, 2025, Fubara formally left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to join the APC, which many believe was a calculated ploy to win reelection.
His political base inside the party was further strengthened when 17 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly defected to the APC after his transition.
Nentawe Yilwatda, the APC National Chairman, reinforced party support by characterizing Fubara as the party’s leader in Rivers State.
During an appearance on Channels Television’s “Hard Copy” program on Friday, Yilwatda stated, “Governor Fubara is the leader of the APC in Rivers State, but he would need to coordinate with every other person in the state.”
The governor’s conflict with Wike, who maintains that Fubara’s second term is unclear, has escalated as a result of the governor’s ascent within the APC.
Wike warned against “opportunistic politics” and accused the governor of breaking their peace agreement.
The FCT minister stated, “Fubara’s defection to the APC does not make him the party leader in Rivers,” at his monthly media conference. I continue to be the state’s political leader. Ward structures and local administrations are still under the authority of our supporters.
In an oblique response, Fubara claimed to have been the victim of blackmail during a public event that was broadcast on Arise TV.
The dog only barks when it doesn’t comprehend. We have everything lined up to ensure a smooth travel, and we know where we are heading,” he said.
Party Insiders Disregard Wike’s Allegations
Wike does not have the power to determine Fubara’s political future, an unknown APC national officer informed Sunday Punch.
He refuted Wike’s assertion of political supremacy in Rivers, stating that the FCT minister’s claim to be in control of Rivers State is untrue.
“Wike is only stressing himself needlessly because the President, not him, will ultimately make the choice over Rivers. Wike is not as well-liked as he says he is. In the most recent election, he lost to the Labour Party and lost his polling place. He is only fortunate that the President felt that he (Wike) was helpful in combating the opposition. The victory over Rivers State was difficult.
“Fubara is an APC governor, and the party consistently receives significant support from the APC Governors’ Forum. We will respect the governors and provide them with the required assistance in accordance with our party’s standards,” he declared.
The official stated that the APC would not impose candidates when asked if Fubara would receive an automatic ticket for a second term.
However, the national officer clarified that any governor running for reelection would have a better chance than new candidates.
When a sitting governor runs as an incumbent, the odds are always in their favor. Unless important national stakeholders disagree, it is a basic political issue. A governor who is currently in office has a greater chance than those who are just entering the race.
According to Rivers, the state is essentially turning into an APC one-party state. Some people bought forms to run against the governor even in Ekiti State, but some of them were not properly nominated. The governor was chosen as a consensus choice, and the others who made it through resigned,” he continued.
Additionally, Basiru stated to Punch that the party supported Fubara.
He pointed out that the National Working Committee of the APC was tasked with mobilizing the governors and fortifying the party’s national organization.
“He is running the government, building projects, and commissioning projects,” he stated. The party needs to identify with him as one of its members. We relate to him because of this. Therefore, I don’t want to get involved in any other politics.
What I do know is that he is a governor on our party’s platform and that President Bola Tinubu has nominated him to serve on a key committee. Not everyone will be pleased with you, just like in any given situation, but it doesn’t matter. God is the source of power, and the people will decide where they want to go when the time is right.
However, we still have an obligation as a party to support every governor. I still feel obligated to support and identify with every member of our party. I go to every event and program that my party participates in. I will undoubtedly bolster and assist our party.
In response to comments made by Victor Giadom, the National Vice Chairman of the APC, South-South Zone, Basiru advised APC leaders not to disparage any of the party’s governors.
“I find it regrettable that a governor in our party was referred to as a “so-called governor of Rivers State” by a NWC member who serves as the Vice Chairman of the APC’s South-South zone. It is inappropriate for someone in such a delicate position, regardless of his allegiances, and nobody should support it.
“You cannot term an elected governor a “so-called governor” to appease anyone, even if the governor is not a member of our party. Regardless of political disagreements or hostility between them, the governor’s office is an exalted position, and whoever holds it must be respected,” he stated.
The President, the APC NWC, and the National Executive Committee all supported Fubara and other governors, according to APC Deputy National Organizing Secretary Duru Eze.
Additionally, he confirmed that Fubara and the others will have the same rights and benefits as any party member.
President Bola Tinubu is the party’s leader. Every governor who joined the party initially signed our manifesto and the APC’s constitution.
Additionally, they enjoy the support of the President and, consequently, the party’s NEC and NWC. Thus, Fubara, other governors, and others will have all the assistance they need to be successful,” he continued.
Bala Ibrahim, the party’s director of publicity, added that Fubara will benefit from the party’s backing.
“All governors, including Fubara, are joining the APC as a result of President Bola Tinubu’s accomplishments under the Renewed Hope Agenda. They are backing both the party and the president.
As a result, he said, “they will enjoy all the necessary support at all levels because they are now part of the progressives working for the development of Nigeria.”
