Top figures in the All Progressives Congress (APC) have reiterated their backing for Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, as tensions rise with Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike.
National Secretary Ajibola Basiru affirmed the party’s commitment to Fubara’s administration and his bid for a second term, stating, “Nobody can frustrate any APC governor. Fubara, like other APC governors, is running the affairs of his state well.”
Fubara officially joined the APC on December 9, 2025, after leaving the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), a move widely viewed as strategic for consolidating his re-election prospects. His defection was soon followed by 17 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, strengthening his political base within the party.
Reinforcing this support, APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda described Fubara as the leader of the party in Rivers State, adding that coordination with other party members would still be necessary. “Governor Fubara is the leader of the APC in Rivers State, but he would need to coordinate with every other person in the state,” Yilwatda said on Channels Television’s Hard Copy programme.
Fubara’s rising influence has heightened his ongoing dispute with Wike, who argues that the governor’s second-term ambitions are uncertain. Wike accused Fubara of breaching a previous peace agreement and cautioned against “opportunistic politics,” asserting, “Fubara’s defection to the APC does not make him the party leader in Rivers. I remain the political leader of the state. Our supporters still control the local governments and ward structures.”
In response, Fubara dismissed allegations of intimidation during a public event aired on Arise TV, stating, “The only reason the dog barks is when it doesn’t understand. We know where we are going and have set all the things that are needed to make the journey smooth.”
Party Officials Reject Wike’s Claims
An APC national officer, speaking anonymously, emphasized that Wike lacks authority over Fubara’s political future. “Wike is just unnecessarily agitating himself because ultimately, the decision on Rivers will be that of the President, not him. Fubara is a governor of the APC, and the Governors’ Forum of the APC is always a major support for the party. By the rules of our party, we are going to respect the governors and give them the necessary support,” he said.
The officer added that while the APC does not automatically grant re-election tickets, incumbents generally enjoy a strategic advantage over challengers. “An incumbent governor stands a better chance than people coming from outside to challenge,” he explained.
Basiru further highlighted the party’s alignment with Fubara, noting his governance record and ongoing initiatives. “As a party, we are duty-bound to identify with all our governors. Fubara has been appointed to an important committee by President Bola Tinubu to work for the party. Not everybody will be happy with you, but it is God who gives power, and the people will decide at the appropriate time,” he said.
He also condemned derogatory remarks by APC leaders against fellow governors, emphasizing that all elected officials deserve respect regardless of political disagreements.
Other party figures, including Deputy National Organising Secretary Duru Eze and Director of Publicity Bala Ibrahim, echoed support for Fubara. Ibrahim remarked, “All governors and others joining the APC are doing so because of the achievements of President Bola Tinubu through the Renewed Hope Agenda. They will enjoy all necessary support at all levels as part of the progressives working for Nigeria’s development.”
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