2027 Rivers Poll: APC Governors Rally Behind Fubara Amid Wike-Basiru Tussle
The political battle over the 2027 Rivers State governorship escalated on Monday as several All Progressives Congress (APC) governors openly threw their weight behind Governor Siminalayi Fubara, countering moves by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to block his re-election bid.
Sources within the party told reporters that Wike’s disapproval of Fubara’s second-term ambition intensified after key APC governors pledged their support to the embattled governor. The backing of the party’s leadership appears to have emboldened Fubara to consolidate his position against Wike’s political influence in the state.
APC Governors and Party Leadership Rally Fubara
The renewed hostilities reportedly began when Wike’s allies attempted to support Samuel Anyanwu, former PDP National Secretary, for the Imo State governorship without consulting Governor Hope Uzodimma, Chairman of the APC governors’ forum. The move allegedly angered Uzodimma, prompting some APC governors to mobilize support for Fubara in Rivers State.
A senior APC official told reporters, “The plan is to reduce the FCT minister’s influence in Rivers. Some APC governors, observing that Wike is not favored by key members of the Tinubu administration, mobilized colleagues to support Fubara. That’s what is fueling the ongoing hostilities.”
The APC National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, who has declared support for Fubara, cautioned South-South APC Chairman Victor Giadom against making derogatory remarks about Fubara or other governors. Giadom had insisted that Fubara could not succeed without Wike’s backing, describing the minister as “dependable” in his home Gokana Local Government Area.
Basiru countered, saying Wike has no authority to interfere in APC affairs. “He is not a member of APC, and my activities as National Secretary extend across the country, not Osun alone. He cannot engage in party matters until he joins APC,” Basiru said, dismissing allegations linking him to Rivers State funds as baseless.
Wike Responds, Tensions Rise
During a “thank-you” visit to Oyigbo Local Government Area, Wike warned Basiru to stay out of Rivers politics, citing the state’s N600 billion treasury. “Take this message to your National Secretary. Leave Rivers State alone. This state is a no-go area,” Wike said, urging respect for local governance structures.
Basiru, however, insisted that Wike’s attempts to destabilize APC in Rivers would not succeed. “My advice to him is to resign as Minister and focus on his obsession with Rivers politics,” Basiru stated. He emphasized that Wike’s support for President Bola Tinubu does not confer authority within the APC.
Political Realignments in Rivers
The Rivers State deputy governor, Prof. Ngozi Odu, and Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Benibo Anabraba, formally resigned from the PDP and joined the APC, completing e-registration and mobilizing locals ahead of the 2027 elections. The moves signal a significant political realignment in the state, following Fubara’s defection from PDP to APC in December 2025.
Voices from Rivers
Niger Delta activist Ann Kio-Briggs condemned Wike’s attempts to block Fubara’s re-election, calling it a threat to Rivers State and its people. “The majority of Rivers people support Governor Fubara. The people want peace and to choose their leader freely,” she said.
Similarly, former Lagos APC spokesman Joe Igbokwe urged party unity, warning that the spat between Wike and Basiru is a needless distraction. “All hands should be on deck. Wike is a strong pillar in this government, and the focus should remain on governance and party cohesion,” Igbokwe said.
The unfolding political drama in Rivers underscores the intense competition ahead of the 2027 polls, highlighting internal APC dynamics and the continuing influence of former Governor Wike in state politics.
