APC Leaders May Force Tinubu to Choose Between Party and Wike

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Tensions within the All Progressives Congress (APC) have escalated as senior party officials reportedly issued a strong warning to President Bola Tinubu over the actions of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, in Rivers State.

Amid ongoing friction between Wike and Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, APC insiders say the minister’s political manoeuvres are threatening party unity and may compel the Presidency to take sides.

A member of the APC National Working Committee (NWC), speaking anonymously to The Guardian, revealed that the party could soon ask President Tinubu to choose between the FCT minister and the party.

“We may ask the President to choose between us and his FCT minister if Wike continues to behave as if only he can advance the President’s interests in Rivers State or anywhere else. He is not a member of this party,” the source said.

The warning comes in the wake of Wike’s declaration that Governor Fubara would not secure a second term in 2027—a statement that has drawn sharp criticism from APC loyalists, particularly in Rivers State. Party strategists argue that allowing a non-registered minister to undermine the President’s political agenda in the oil-rich state ahead of the 2027 elections is unacceptable.

Olafeso: Wike Politically Outpaced and Isolated

Former PDP National Vice Chairman (South-West), Eddy Olafeso, described Wike’s current predicament as a result of being outpaced by Fubara, who quickly aligned himself with the APC before his former mentor could respond.

In an interview with The Guardian, Olafeso said, “Wike is probably the most unfortunate politician in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic. Governor Fubara moved faster politically by joining the APC, leaving Wike on the sidelines.”

He added that APC stalwarts have effectively signalled that Fubara would be recognised as the party’s leader in Rivers, even before Wike considered joining the APC. “Some party leaders are even calling for his removal as minister,” Olafeso revealed.