The political landscape of Rivers State is once again embroiled in a fierce power struggle, prompting many to question why Wike interferes in Rivers politics. The All Progressives Congress (APC) has explicitly demanded the resignation of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, accusing him of persistent interference in the state’s political affairs. This recent escalation marks a renewed hostility between Wike and the APC, particularly after a brief period of calm following the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the subsequent political maneuvering. The underlying tensions stem from Wike’s perceived continued influence and alleged attempts to undermine the current state administration.
The renewed friction comes after a period where Wike had repeatedly attacked Governor Fubara, alleging breaches of political agreements. This dynamic shifted dramatically when Governor Fubara, sensing Wike’s increasing political leverage while operating outside a formal party structure after his expulsion from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), strategically defected to the APC. This move was a significant political coup, granting Fubara control of the APC structure within Rivers State and firmly embedding him within the ruling party’s national framework, a development that reportedly unsettled Wike and reignited the current confrontation.
The All Progressives Congress, through its National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, subsequently demanded Wike’s resignation from President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet. Basiru accused Wike of meddling in the APC’s internal affairs and actively fomenting political tension within Rivers State. His statement on Monday directly addressed what he described as a “tirade” from the FCT minister, emphasizing the party’s stance on respecting sitting governors as leaders of their respective state chapters.
What is the core of the Rivers State political crisis? The core of the Rivers State political crisis revolves around the power struggle between FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and Governor Siminalayi Fubara, exacerbated by Wike’s alleged interference in state affairs despite Fubara’s defection to the APC. This conflict highlights deep-seated political rivalries.
Senator Basiru underscored that Wike is not a registered member of the APC, asserting that he therefore lacks the legal and political standing to interfere in the party’s internal affairs or its operations within Rivers State. Basiru firmly stated his responsibility as National Secretary to protect the interests of the party, its members, and its structures, clarifying that his comments on Rivers State affairs were within his mandate and not undue interference. This point is crucial in understanding the APC’s official position regarding Wike’s actions.
The APC National Secretary also vehemently refuted Wike’s allegations concerning a supposed N600 billion largesse in the state, which Wike claimed Basiru and other APC leaders were scrambling for. Basiru dismissed these claims as baseless and defamatory, challenging Wike to substantiate his allegations or face legal action. He also addressed what he considered veiled threats from the FCT minister, cautioning Wike against overplaying his political influence and reminding him that his support for President Tinubu does not automatically confer APC membership.
Why is Wike attacking Fubara’s administration? Wike’s attacks on Governor Fubara’s administration appear rooted in allegations of broken political agreements and a perceived shift in loyalty following Fubara’s defection to the APC. Wike, who previously held significant political sway in Rivers State, views Fubara’s independent actions and alignment with the APC national leadership as a challenge to his established influence. This dynamic fuels the ongoing public exchanges and political maneuvers.
Basiru further reiterated that millions of Nigerians who are not members of the APC also support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and Wike’s support falls into the same category. He warned that Wike’s attempts to destabilize the party in Rivers State would not be tolerated, stressing that the “spirit and culture of the PDP” cannot be imported into the APC. This statement draws a clear line regarding party discipline and ideological alignment.
The APC National Secretary’s remarks were a direct follow-up to Wike’s earlier warning to Basiru to “leave Rivers State alone” during a thank-you visit to Oyigbo Local Government Area. During this visit, Wike had alleged that the APC National Secretary had personally benefited from funds drawn from the N600 billion left in the state’s coffers, intensifying the verbal sparring between the two prominent political figures.
This public exchange also followed controversial remarks by the APC Vice Chairman (South-South), Victor Giadom, who had referred to Governor Siminalayi Fubara as “the so-called governor.” Basiru had previously described Giadom’s comment as “unfortunate,” emphasizing that the office of the Governor deserves respect regardless of political affiliations or differences, a sentiment that Wike later disregarded in his own fiery responses.
Wike, however, remained defiant, doubling down on his position and issuing a stern warning to the APC leadership and its officials. He declared Rivers State a “no-go area” for external interference, cautioning, “If your hand burns, it is not my fault.” This strong rhetoric underscores his determination to maintain his influence and control over the political narrative within the state.
Basiru concluded by advising Wike that he cannot continue to serve in the Federal Executive Council of an APC-led government while simultaneously creating confusion within the party’s organs and structures. He explicitly stated that the “honourable thing” for Wike to do is to resign his appointment as Minister, framing it as a matter of integrity and political coherence. The ongoing conflict regarding why Wike interferes in Rivers politics continues to shape the state’s political future.
