Rivers Power Tussle Deepens as Wike, APC Leaders Trade Blows Over Fubara

A fresh political storm has erupted within the All Progressives Congress (APC) following sharp exchanges involving the party’s leadership and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, over the rapidly evolving political situation in Rivers State.

The latest drama stems from tensions surrounding Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who recently defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC. Since his defection, Fubara has enjoyed growing acceptance within the APC hierarchy, with several party leaders publicly commending his infrastructural projects across the state — a development widely seen as unsettling to Wike, his erstwhile political ally turned rival.

The rivalry took a dramatic turn after the APC National Vice Chairman (South-South), Chief Victor Giadom, described Fubara as a “so-called governor” during a political gathering in Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State. Giadom further declared the area a “no-go zone” for politicians, insisting that anyone seeking electoral success there must obtain the approval of the former Rivers governor — a statement that triggered outrage across political circles.

Many critics condemned Giadom’s remarks as disrespectful to the office of the governor and dangerously inflammatory, given Rivers State’s already volatile political climate.

Basiru Rebukes Giadom

Reacting swiftly, APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, publicly distanced the party from Giadom’s comments, describing them as “unfortunate” and unbecoming of a member of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC).

Basiru stressed that regardless of political disagreements, the office of a sitting governor must be respected.

“I find it unfortunate that a member of the NWC referred to a governor as a ‘so-called governor of Rivers State,’” Basiru said. “Even governors from opposition parties deserve respect. The office of governor is an exalted one and should not be diminished for political convenience.”

Wike Fires Back

Basiru’s intervention, however, drew the ire of Wike.

Speaking during a thank-you visit to Oyigbo Local Government Area on Monday, the FCT minister issued a stern warning to the APC scribe, cautioning him to stay out of Rivers State politics.

Wike accused unnamed political actors of making reckless and provocative statements because of the alleged N600 billion left in Rivers State’s coffers. He referenced comments attributed to Giadom suggesting that Governor Fubara could not secure a second term without Wike’s backing, and warned Basiru against what he described as careless remarks about Rivers affairs.

Basiru Calls for Wike’s Resignation

The war of words escalated further when Basiru responded from Abuja with a strongly worded statement, accusing Wike of attempting to destabilise the APC from within.

Basiru expressed shock that his call for respect for sitting governors could provoke what he described as “uncouth responses” from a serving member of the Federal Executive Council.

“He cannot be in the Federal Executive Council of an APC government and be causing confusion within any organ or structure of the party,” Basiru said. “The honourable thing for him to do is to resign his appointment as minister.”

He further argued that Wike lacked the authority to interfere in APC affairs, noting that party records did not list the FCT minister as a registered member of the ruling party.

“Our records indicate that Minister Nyesom Wike is not a member of our party, the APC, and therefore lacks the locus to dabble into our internal affairs,” Basiru added.

APC Leaders Raise Alarm

A senior APC official, who spoke to DAILY POST on condition of anonymity, described the public exchanges as “deeply embarrassing” and warned that the crisis could damage the party’s credibility ahead of the 2027 general election.

According to the party chieftain, internal disputes should be resolved through established party mechanisms rather than through media confrontations that project disunity.

“If this continues unchecked, it will weaken our unity and could cost the party politically, especially in a strategic swing state like Rivers,” the official warned.

Analyst Urges De-escalation

Public affairs analyst and communication expert at Peaceland University, Enugu, Nduka Odo, described the crisis as a classic elite power struggle spilling into the public space.

Odo said the language used by key actors reflects deeper weaknesses in party discipline and conflict-resolution structures.

“When senior figures resort to open confrontation, it signals a breakdown of internal communication and discipline,” he said. “Questioning the legitimacy of a sitting governor or issuing public ultimatums is dangerous, as such language escalates tension rather than resolving it.”

He urged the APC to urgently de-escalate the crisis by pulling discussions away from the media and strengthening internal mechanisms for dispute resolution, warning that failure to do so could deepen divisions and portray the party as incapable of managing its own affairs.