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In a surprising twist in Nigeria’s political landscape, top figures from the All Progressives Congress (APC) are lining up to endorse Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara for a potential second term, complicating efforts by Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike to block his path.
This alliance has intensified the rift between the two leaders, with insiders pointing to Fubara’s impressive infrastructure initiatives as a key factor winning over APC bigwigs.
Party sources reveal that the backing has elevated Fubara’s profile nationally, making it tougher for Wike to steer Rivers’ political future.
The feud escalated after Wike’s allies pushed for ex-PDP National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu to challenge in Imo State, bypassing APC Governor Hope Uzodimma.
Uzodimma, who leads the APC Governors’ Forum, viewed this as a direct slight, sparking a backlash.
In response, several APC governors rallied to counter what they see as Wike’s excessive meddling in party matters.
One high-ranking APC member shared, “We’re aiming to curb the minister’s grip in his own backyard and limit his broader sway, especially since he’s not in good graces with key players in the Tinubu team.”
This support has given Fubara newfound confidence to confront Wike’s dominance in the state.
On Monday, APC National Secretary Ajibola Basiru clashed publicly with Wike over Rivers’ affairs.
Basiru urged Wike to step down from his cabinet role if he’s fixated on local politics, adding that he’s ready to face any pushback.
In a bold statement, Basiru affirmed his stance for Fubara, highlighting the governor’s effective leadership.
He also reprimanded South-South APC Chairman Victor Giadom for undermining Fubara.
Giadom had claimed no one could thrive in Rivers without Wike, particularly in his Gokana local government stronghold.
“Wike remains the unbeatable force in Gokana, anyone eyeing success there must align with him and President Tinubu,” Giadom reportedly emphasised.
This drew ire from Basiru, who stressed neutrality for party officials in such disputes.
During a recent project launch in Obio-Akpor, Basiru called on Rivers residents to unite behind Tinubu and Fubara ahead of the 2027 polls.
He commended Fubara’s focus on quality developments benefiting the people.
Wike fired back during a visit to Oyigbo, advising outsiders to avoid Rivers’ internal matters.
“Stay out of our state’s politics, don’t exploit our resources and then stir trouble. We’ve backed the president, but that doesn’t mean you can meddle freely,” Wike warned.
Basiru hit back, asserting Wike holds no sway in APC decisions since he’s not a member.
“As party secretary, I oversee national operations, and unfounded claims about state funds won’t deter me,” Basiru declared.
He emphasised his history of standing firm against intimidation, from military eras to now.
This ongoing drama underscores shifting alliances in Nigerian politics, with eyes on how it shapes the 2027 elections in Rivers and beyond.