The National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ajibola Basiru, has revealed that former Rivers State Governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, is actively being engaged in efforts to resolve the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, despite not being a registered member of the ruling party.
Basiru made the disclosure on Thursday during a broadcast interview, emphasizing that Wike’s support for President Bola Tinubu and his strategic influence in the state make his involvement crucial to the reconciliation process.
The political tension in Rivers State intensified after Governor Siminalayi Fubara officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC on December 9, following over a year of disputes with Wike over control of the party’s structure in the state. The move was widely interpreted as a significant political realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Prior to Fubara’s defection, several key members of the Rivers State House of Assembly had already joined the APC, positioning Fubara as the party’s central figure in the state. In response, Wike publicly criticized Fubara for allegedly violating prior agreements and questioned his prospects for securing another term as governor. The FCT Minister also contended that Fubara lacks genuine support within the APC, claiming he is being poorly advised and has slim chances in the 2027 elections.
In a notable development, most APC members of the Rivers State House of Assembly initiated impeachment proceedings against Fubara on January 8, a move widely seen as influenced by Wike. These proceedings are currently on hold due to ongoing court cases.
When asked about the party’s approach to the crisis, Basiru confirmed that discreet consultations are underway to ensure a peaceful resolution. He stressed that not all measures will be publicly disclosed immediately.
“Wike is an avowed supporter of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, even though he is not a member of the APC. Given his interest in the success of the President, and the strategic importance of Rivers State, he is being engaged in achieving an amicable resolution,” Basiru said. He assured that the matter would be resolved without creating winners or losers, and that details of the resolution would be shared in due course.
Responding to criticism that the APC is mainly attracting governors and elites, Basiru clarified that the party is mass-based and represents the broader populace.
“The APC is a serious, mass-oriented political party,” he said. “Our e-registration system shows widespread enthusiasm from Nigerians. We are not an elite organization; we are socio-democratic, pro-people, and committed to strengthening our party. People across the country are joining the APC in large numbers.”
Basiru concluded by highlighting the party’s resilience and persistence in mobilizing and conscientizing Nigerians about the APC’s national relevance, saying the mass of Nigerians continues to embrace the party ahead of future elections.
