As tensions within the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC intensified, senior stalwarts of the party have warned President Bola Tinubu that the actions of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, are threatening party unity, particularly in Rivers State.
Following renewed hostilities between the FCT Minister and his successor, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, leaders of the APC say the Wike’s political manoeuvres risk undermining the party’s cohesion and electoral fortunes ahead of the 2027 general elections.
A member of the APC National Working Committee (NWC), who spoke anonymously, said that the party may soon confront the President directly if Wike continues to act in ways perceived as hostile to APC interests.
“We may ask the President to choose between the party and his FCT minister if Wike continues to behave as if he alone can protect the President’s political interests in Rivers State or elsewhere. He is not even a member of this party,” the source said.
Wike’s recent declaration that Governor Fubara would not secure a second term in office in 2027, sparked outrage among APC loyalists, particularly in Rivers State.
Also see: APC National Secretary demands Wike’s resignation over Rivers interference
Party strategists argued that the APC can not afford to allow a minister who is not formally registered with the party to destabilise its structure in the oil-rich state at a critical political moment.
Also speaking, a former PDP National Vice Chairman (South-West), Eddy Olafeso, described Wike’s current predicament as self-inflicted, arguing that Governor Fubara had outmanoeuvred his former political benefactor.
Olafeso said Wike may be “the most unfortunate politician of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic,” noting that Fubara moved swiftly to align with the APC, effectively leaving his former boss politically isolated.
He further revealed that APC leaders in Rivers State have made it clear that Fubara is recognized as the party’s leader APC.
