APC Leaders Rally Behind Governor Fubara Amidst Intensifying Political Rift
The Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, finds himself at the centre of a burgeoning political storm, yet prominent leaders within the All Progressives Congress (APC) have publicly declared their unwavering support for him, particularly concerning his re-election aspirations. This backing comes amidst a heightened public feud between Governor Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
The National Secretary of the APC, Ajibola Basiru, affirmed the party’s commitment to Governor Fubara’s campaign for a second term. In an interview, Basiru stated, “Nobody can frustrate any APC governor. Fubara, like other APC governors, is running the affairs of his state well.” This assertion underscores the party’s stance that its governors are entitled to the full backing of the APC machinery.
Governor Fubara’s political trajectory saw a significant shift when he defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling APC on December 9. This move was widely interpreted as a strategic manoeuvre aimed at solidifying his prospects for a second term in office. The defection was closely followed by a similar exodus of 17 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, who also switched allegiance to the APC.
Further solidifying Fubara’s position within the APC, the National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, designated the governor as the de facto leader of the party in Rivers State. Speaking on a television programme, Yilwatda elaborated, “Governor Fubara is the leader of the APC in Rivers State, but he would need to coordinate with every other person in the state.”
The Deepening Rift: Wike vs. Fubara
Despite the APC’s declared support for Governor Fubara, the defection appears to have exacerbated the existing tensions between him and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike. Wike has publicly stated that Fubara’s second term is far from guaranteed, even under the APC banner.
The FCT Minister has leveled accusations against Governor Fubara, alleging breaches of a previously agreed-upon peace accord. Wike has also issued warnings against what he termed “opportunistic politics.” During a media engagement, Wike asserted that Fubara’s move to the APC did not automatically confer party leadership upon him in the state. He maintained his own political dominance in Rivers, citing his supporters’ control over the local government and ward structures across the state.
In a public address, Governor Fubara appeared to respond to Wike’s criticisms, suggesting he had been subjected to blackmail. He conveyed a sense of resolute purpose, 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.”
APC Officials Reiterate Support, Dismiss Wike’s Influence
Senior officials within the APC have been quick to counter Wike’s assertions, emphasizing that the FCT Minister holds no sway over the governor’s political future within the party. Speaking anonymously due to the sensitive nature of the matter, a high-ranking party official dismissed Wike’s claims of absolute control over Rivers State politics as unfounded.
“Wike is just unnecessarily agitating himself because ultimately, the decision on Rivers will be that of the President, not him. Wike is not as popular as he is claiming to be. He lost his polling unit in the last election; he lost to the Labour Party. He is just lucky that the President won and felt that he (Wike) was useful to tackle the opposition. It was a tough one winning Rivers State,” the official commented.
The official further stressed the party’s commitment to its governors: “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.”
Regarding the prospect of an automatic ticket for Fubara’s re-election, the official clarified that the APC does not typically impose candidates. However, they acknowledged that incumbent governors generally possess a significant advantage over new challengers. “The dynamics are always in favour of a sitting governor who is contesting as an incumbent. It is an elementary political thing, unless maybe critical stakeholders at the national level feel otherwise. An incumbent governor stands a better chance than people who are just coming from outside to challenge,” the official explained. The official also drew a parallel with Ekiti State, where a governor was adopted as a consensus candidate, suggesting a similar path might be possible.
Ajibola Basiru reiterated the party’s solidarity with Governor Fubara, emphasizing the National Working Committee’s mandate to support all APC governors and strengthen the party’s national structure. “He is running the government, building projects and commissioning projects. As somebody who is a member of our party, the party must identify with him. And that is why we identify with him,” Basiru stated. He also noted Fubara’s appointment to an important committee by President Bola Tinubu, highlighting his role within the party. Basiru advised against internal party members making disparaging remarks about elected officials, specifically calling out a National Vice Chairman for referring to Governor Fubara as a “so-called governor.” He underscored the respect due to the office of governor, regardless of political differences.
The Deputy National Organising Secretary of the APC, Duru Eze, confirmed that Governor Fubara and other defecting governors have the backing of President Tinubu, the National Working Committee (NWC), and the National Executive Committee (NEC). He affirmed that they would receive the same rights and privileges as all party members, stating, “The leader of the party is President Bola Tinubu. Each of the governors who have come to the party first subscribed to the APC’s constitution and our manifesto.”
Bala Ibrahim, the Director of Publicity for the APC, also pledged the party’s support to Governor Fubara and other new entrants. He attributed their move to the achievements of President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda,” stating, “As a result, they will enjoy all the necessary support at all levels because they are now part of the progressives working for the development of Nigeria.”
Presidency and Party Leadership to Determine Fubara’s Fate
The Rivers State Publicity Secretary of the APC, Chibike Ikenga, indicated that the ultimate decision regarding Governor Fubara’s re-election would rest with President Tinubu and the national leadership of the APC. Ikenga confirmed that Fubara’s admission into the party was sanctioned at the highest level. “We allowed him (Fubara) to join the party; the President allowed him to join, and the President is the leader and controls the party. So, at that level, they know what he deserves, and once we get the directive from there, we will hit the road,” he said.
While acknowledging Wike’s past role in Fubara’s gubernatorial ascent, Ikenga dismissed the notion that the FCT Minister could influence the APC’s governorship ticket in Rivers, noting that Wike is not a member of the APC. “Wike is not a member of the APC and he is not contesting the governorship seat in the state, so why do people want to jump the gun?” Ikenga questioned.
Rivers Elders Dismiss Wike’s Power to Block Re-election
Elders and leaders from Rivers State have strongly refuted Wike’s claims of being able to dictate Governor Fubara’s political future. Chief Anabs Sara-Igbe, a member of the state Elders and Leaders Council, accused Wike of attempting to undermine Fubara’s re-election bid and warned against “playing God with the destiny of the people of the state.” He insisted that the ultimate decision rests with the electorate. “The minister has said that Fubara joining the APC does not guarantee him an automatic ticket, and it looks as if he is trying to block Fubara from getting re-elected. But Wike can try his best; it is the people who will decide who becomes the governor. It is the electorate that will decide,” Sara-Igbe stated.
Another council member, Chief Asukewe Iko-Awaji, dismissed Wike’s pronouncements as baseless. “The only person who has the power to stop Fubara is God. So, what Wike is saying is just a cock-and-bull story,” Iko-Awaji declared. He lamented the impact of the political infighting on governance in Rivers State, attributing it to Wike’s actions and warning that the populace would reject any imposed candidate. “We have lost six months of democratic governance. We are six months behind every other state because of Wike’s immaturity. Rivers people will never forget the man who did that to them. So, if he brings any candidate, we will reject him and his candidate,” he added.
Wike’s Continued Opposition
Despite these pronouncements, Nyesom Wike has maintained his stance against Governor Fubara’s re-election. While addressing supporters, he described Fubara as a political “mistake” that should not be repeated, vowing to oppose his bid for a second term. Though not explicitly naming the governor, Wike cautioned that joining the APC does not guarantee an automatic ticket. “I have said here that all those people who are shouting ‘on your mandate’—it is good to shout ‘on your mandate’. We started it in 2023 and we will continue to shout it. You that have come here to join, it will not give you an automatic ticket. If you like, carry out money and go and hire people from the North, South, West and East, you won’t get anywhere,” Wike stated.
He further asserted, “I want to assure you here that we are working together. There is nothing like a party here; it is the renewed hope family. If you are not an original member of this family, we will face you on the battlefield. So, don’t say I didn’t tell you. I have told you that the mistake we made in 2023, we shall correct it for the betterment of everybody.” Wike concluded, “We have taken the decision and there is no going back as far as Tinubu is concerned. But for the other one (Fubara’s re-election), no way, because if we make another mistake, then go and bury yourself politically. I will not allow myself to be buried. I will not allow that mistake again.”
