PORT HARCOURT — The political landscape of Rivers State has been rocked by a seismic shift as the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Working Committee (NWC) officially drew a battle line with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the "Brick House" and beyond, the APC leadership has told Wike to "mind his business," insisting that he lacks the authority to dictate the party's direction in Rivers State since he is not a registered member.
"Choose Between Us and Wike" — APC Tells Tinubu
The tension reached a boiling point this week when high-ranking APC officials warned President Bola Tinubuthat the FCT Minister’s interference is becoming a liability.
“We may ask the President to choose between us and his FCT minister if Wike continues to behave as if only he can serve the political interests of the President in Rivers State," an NWC member revealed.
This internal revolt comes as the APC National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, publicly challenged Wike to resign his ministerial appointment if he wants to play partisan politics within the APC. Basiru slammed Wike’s claims of a "merger" between APC and PDP in Rivers as a "mischievous misrepresentation."
The "Fubara Factor": Rivers Deputy Gov, SSG Formally Join APC
In what many are calling a masterstroke, Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s grip on the state's political machinery has tightened. The defection of the Deputy Governor, Dr. Ngozi Odu, and the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Benibo Anabraba, to the APC has effectively "colonized" the party from within.
Key Highlights of the Defection:
Dr. Ngozi Odu registered at Ward 8, Unit 11, Akabuka (ONELGA).
Dr. Benibo Anabraba registered at Ward 1, Unit 1, Abonnema (Akuku-Toru).
The move confirms that Governor Fubara is now the official Leader of the APC in Rivers State, following the party's long-standing convention that sitting Governors lead their state chapters.
Wike Under Fire: "Political Power is Transient"
The FCT Minister, during a "Thank You" visit to Oyigbo and Gokana, had boasted of his capacity to unite the APC and PDP, warning opponents to stay away from Rivers politics. However, the APC National Secretariat isn't having it.
Secretary Ajibola Basiru rejected Wike’s allegations regarding a N600 billion scramble, calling it "cheap blackmail" and daring the Minister to meet him in court.
"His attempts to destabilize the APC in Rivers State will not be tolerated," Basiru added, reminding the former Governor that "political power is transient."
The 2027 Calculation: Why Wike is Losing Ground
Political analysts in Port Harcourt suggest that Wike’s "strategic value" to the Presidency is shrinking.
Incumbency: Fubara now holds the state's constitutional authority and grassroots structures.
Party Loyalty: APC insiders are wary of Wike's "disruptor" reputation within the PDP and don't want a repeat performance in the APC.
The South-South Sweep: With Fubara in the APC, the party now controls a strategic Niger Delta state without needing a "middleman."
People Also Ask (Trending PH Search Terms)
Is Governor Fubara now in APC?
Has Nyesom Wike joined APC officially?
Who is the leader of APC in Rivers State?
Why did Rivers Deputy Governor defect to APC?
PH Blog Verdict: The "Lion of Rumueprikom" finds himself in a tight spot. By hollowing out the PDP to help the APC, Wike may have inadvertently built a fortress that Governor Fubara has now occupied. With the APC National Secretariat backing the Governor, the "political elopement" of Wike seems to be hitting a rocky patch.
What’s your take, Rivers people? Is it "Rivers First" under Fubara, or does the "FCT Landlord" still hold the keys to the state? Let’s hear you in the comments! 👇
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