The political crisis in Rivers State has intensified ahead of the 2027 general elections as several All Progressives Congress (APC) governors and party leaders have thrown their weight behind Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s second-term ambition.
Sources within the APC disclosed that the growing support for Fubara has unsettled the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who is reportedly opposed to his successor’s re-election bid. The backing of Fubara by influential APC governors is said to have worsened tensions between the two former allies.
Party insiders revealed that the disagreement was triggered by internal APC disputes involving attempts by forces aligned with Wike to influence gubernatorial succession arrangements in Imo State without the consent of Governor Hope Uzodimma, Chairman of the APC Governors’ Forum. The development reportedly angered several governors, leading to a coordinated move to politically counter Wike by supporting Fubara.
The crisis escalated on Monday as APC National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, openly challenged Wike, urging him to resign his ministerial position and refrain from interfering in party affairs. Basiru maintained that Wike, who remains a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), lacks the authority to dictate APC decisions in Rivers State.
Wike, however, issued a stern warning during a visit to Oyigbo Local Government Area, cautioning APC leaders against meddling in Rivers politics and insisting that Fubara would not succeed without his backing.
The exchange has deepened divisions within the ruling party, with some APC leaders praising Fubara’s governance record and others reaffirming loyalty to Wike. The situation was further complicated by the defection of key Rivers State officials, including Deputy Governor Prof. Ngozi Odu and Secretary to the State Government Dr Benibo Anabraba, from the PDP to the APC.
Despite claims that a prior agreement barred Fubara from seeking re-election following earlier reconciliation efforts brokered by President Bola Tinubu, APC leaders have continued to signal support for the governor.
Observers say the unfolding crisis underscores a high-stakes political battle for control of Rivers State ahead of the 2027 elections, with party unity now under severe strain.
